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Overcast Valley Stream students to see changes
Micah Danney
Valley Stream’s four school districts are gearing up for the first day of school, and the annual tradition is accompanied by a few changes.
District 13’s Willow Road Elementary School has a new blacktop and parking area, and a new basketball court and handicap-accessible ramp at Howell Road Elementary School. Wheeler Avenue Elementary School’s auditorium windows are also being renovated.
The district hired five new teachers, and more substitute teachers are being evaluated following the district’s job fair on Aug. 14. The district will also welcome a new assistant superintendent of curriculum.
Another addition is a unit on close reading for the Common Core Social Studies Interdistrict Curriculum Council.
In District 24, William L. Buck School’s installation of its geothermal project is underway, and is expected to be operational in time for winter. One new teacher was hired, as were three replacements for teachers on leave.
The Superkids Reading Program will be expanded, as will the RULER emotional literacy program. The Taxi Dog Educational Program will expand from being exclusive to Grade 2 to implementation in K-2.
District 30 made its HVAC upgrades, and a policy regarding restrictions on the use of student data is awaiting board approval.
Forest Road Elementary School has an assistant principal for the first time, Jennifer Lewner. At all district schools, Common Core modules for ELA and math will be implemented this year, according to Superintendent Nicholas Stirling. He also said the district will be making sure that sets of iPads will be available at each school.
Valley Stream Central High School District’s Memorial Junior High School has a new parking lot, and South High School’s track was renovated. Superintendent Bill Heidenreich said installation of energy-efficient lighting and ceiling tiles is ongoing, as well as new door locks and concrete and masonry work.
The district’s wellness policy, last revised in 2006, is being updated to reflect changes in state health and nutrition guidelines, and the policy is being examined for compliance in all other areas as well, Heidenreich said.
