Oceanside kids are back in school

On Oceanside’s first day of school, Sept. 1, eager-faced student poured into the halls and classrooms.

This summer was the third year of the district’s multi-year capital improvement project. Some improvements were made to the buildings over the summer. Some projects were not finished, but were close to completion.

In all schools where there was gas or boiler work, the district was waiting for National Grid to complete it. School No. 2 was awaiting delivery of roof-top ventilators and walkway lights. All schools will see door and hardware replacement during the school year. The toilet partitions were nearing completion in all schools, as was the fascia and cupola painting, floor tile installation and casework.

In School No. 6, the roof has been patched, and air-conditioning units were delivered and were awaiting installation. The auditorium floor was finished, the new seats were to be installed soon and the district was awaiting carpet delivery. The existing boilers were removed and new concrete pads were poured. School No. 7 had its floor tile replaced, even in the Little Theatre.

Schools Superintendent Dr. Phyllis Harrington and members of the school board assured the public that the buildings were safe and ready for students.

Last year there was great concern about lead in the school’s water supply. The board reported that all units that had tested positive were replaced and retested. The district was awaiting the retesting lab results for schools 3 and 8. All others had passed the lab tests.

In 2014, New York state voters passed the $2 billion SMART Schools bond act. Oceanside’s share, just under $2 million, will be used to install wireless networks in all of the elementary schools and Castleton High School. As a result, mobile computing devices, such as laptops, Chromebooks and iPads, will be used districtwide. The cost of the wiring project is just over $1.6 million, and the remainder of the money will be used for future district needs. The plan for the network will be posted on the district web site, and a public hearing on it is tentatively scheduled for October 19. Before any additional work can begin, the State Education Department must approve the plan.

District officials say they are excited about a new program aimed at getting the community to read. Called Oceanside Go...Read, it will feature live online readings by faculty, staff, students and, perhaps, some surprise guests. There will be a community-wide scavenger hunt with a reading theme. Residents will have a chance to share their favorite reads as well. Look for banners touting the program in schools, at the library and around town. The district even has a special twitter account, #osdgoread, and an Instagram account as well.