A new beginning in Island Park

A new school year began at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School in Island Park. Superintendent Dr. Rosmarie Bovino greeted the new year with enthusiasm, and excitement about changes in the district.

“The Lego engineering program in grades 4-6 initiated last year will be expanded,” Bovino said, “Through this program, students have the chance to apply real-world concepts in engineering, logic, mathematics, architecture, and physics to projects that include building and programming robots, bridges, skyscrapers, and motorized vehicles.”

Bovino pointed out the school budget now supports students who take part in competitions at music festivals, and praised such competition for raising the caliber of student performance, by challenging “young musicians and vocalists in grades 3-8 to work in new ways before rigorous adjudicators.”

Pre-school and after school clubs will be continuing, which, Bovino explained, help enhance the educational experience. “We will initiate a science research program at the middle school in a new after-school club with an eye toward integrating it during the school day beginning 2016. What makes science research different from a science fair project or lab experiment? Both help students carry out investigative, hands-on work that promote skills in critical thinking. However, science research emphasizes observing and gathering information on a topic of interest over a long period of time. Students run many fun experiments and monitor results regularly using a variety of technology and communication tools as they test one hypothesis over the course of a semester or year.”

This is the second year of full day Universal Prekindergarten for the district. The program features bus service and meals. Socialization and academic skills with experiences in the arts, gym, and second language learning [Spanish] are the focus.