By Leslie Gonzalez
Districts Prepare for Wednesday opening
With the first day of school fast approaching, the East Rockaway, Lynbrook and Malverne School Districts are carefully completing final preparations for the new school year ahead. In addition to a number of physical improvements at various school facilities, each district is required by the state to adopt a new "Academic Interventions Service" program, designed to improve student exam scores and test-taking skills. Programs must aid students with their reading, writing, vocabulary, comprehension and mathematics skills.
Lynbrook Schools
The Lynbrook School District will apply a variety of changes to its Math offerings, beginning this school term. A math consultant is scheduled to meet with fifth and eighth grade teachers to discuss various teaching approaches that will address the changing trend toward writing-based mathematical tests. Also beginning this year, all eighth grade students can now choose to enroll in Accelerated Math, a course where enrollment was previously restricted to students based on I.Q., reasoning skills, seventh grade scores and a teacher's recommendation.
At the high school, the district plans to shift its current math program to Math A and B, two courses that parallel the current Sequential Math I, II, and III. The Math "A" course will be introduced this year to a group of students whose parents responded to a letter sent by Math Chairman Louis Prevet. Officials expect its curriculum to be successful, after which Math "B" will be introduced within the next two years.
On the elementary grade level, the specialized reading program "Literacy Place" will be expanded from just the kindergarten level to include grades one and two.
Lynbrook North Middle School will now offer a pilot reading course entitled "Strategies for Learning" as part of its language program. In accordance with New York State's new Academic Intervention Service requirements, any student who scores poorly on state tests, or fails a New York State Regents' exam in Mathematics or English Language Arts will automatically be assigned to a program that will address that student's need for improvement. Designated high school and middle school students will meet at 7:20 A.M., prior to all other classes, for a newly-assigned "0" Period. Elementary students will be pulled from their school day to participate in the program.
The Lynbrook Board of Education recently announced a district-wide plan to analyze the technology currently available to students, including computer hardware and software, and how those systems can be improved. At this time, fiber optic cabling is being installed for faster internet access. Other district-wide projects include improvements to building heating and cooling systems, repairing high school athletic field and ground runoff irrigation systems and window replacements in several buildings, to be completed after school hours. Newly resurfaced are both High School Gym and Theater floors, and recently renovated are the drop ceilings and lights at all three elementary schools. Three new classrooms have been added to Lynbrook's Kindergarten Center, and a two classroom addition has been approved for North Middle School, to be completed in October.
East Rockaway Schools
In response to the new state requirements, East Rockaway School District has added teacher assistants and support staff to its continuing programs, including additional Math assistant instructors for the high school's Academic Assistance Center, and for all elementary school and middle-level students. Another teacher's aide will also be hired this year for Early Literacy.
Three new courses have been added to East Rockaway's High School curriculum: "Sports and Entertainment Marketing", "Public Speaking" and "Introduction to Theater/Elements of Acting". The District has also expanded its elementary-level English as a Second Language (ESL) program to meet recently revised New York State regulations which mandate an increase in instructional time. New textbooks have been acquired in a wide variety of subject areas, including Reading for grades two and three, Biology and Economics for the High School, and Health for the Middle and High Schools.
Since last year's bond approval of $3.7 million, the school district has worked closely with architects in designing plans and specifications for the complete renovation of the high school auditorium and district-wide computerized networking. Plans are in the process of being submitted to state Department of Education for approval. If accepted, construction will take place during the Summer of 2001. Specifically, the proposed networking will require the cabling, wiring and the electrical upgrade necessary to accommodate an updated computer system.
Superintendent of Schools James Powers describes the work as a preliminary move towards the purchase of new computer equipment. "We are basically keeping up with modern technology", said Superintendent Powers.
In the meantime, maintenance procedures including repairs, cleanup, and the routine sanding and refinishing of floors will all be completed in time for school.
Malverne Schools
Recent staffing changes in Malverne School District include the appointment of Dr. Robert D. Pinckney as Interim Superintendent of Schools and Lena Richardson as the new Principal at Davison Avenue Elementary School. Malverne has expanded its pre-Kindergarten classes to include seven Saturdays in both Fall and Spring. As part of the District's Academic Intervention Service plan, Malverne elementary schools will extend its school day by an hour and a half, twice a week for third and fourth graders. The first half-year of that extended time will address English Language Arts, and the second half-year will focus on Mathematics.
Howard T. Herber Middle School will institute a new team teaching method for seventh and eight graders, where two teachers will work together to address the same group of students for English, Social Studies, Math and Science. The Middle School will also offer a new study skill program entitled "Smart Learner" that will help students to learn more effectively. Specifically, the program will focus on proper note taking and organizational management, including "to do" lists and challenges. The course also requires parent involvement to help students; parents are enlisted for training and parent-student assignments.
The Middle School's Homework Center program, the District's Regents Assistance Program (R.A.P.), and the Saturday Academy for fourth and eighth graders will all continue from last year.
Malverne's school buildings are currently undergoing routine maintenance procedures such at floor tile replacements, touch-ups and the sanding and refinishing of gym and wood floors, a yearly procedure done at all schools. Repainted are classrooms at Davison Avenue, Maurice Downing, Howard Herber Middle and Malverne High School, including the Main Hall at Downing. In all, Malverne School Facilities Supervisor James O'Beirne cites no major construction at this time, and transportation plans remain the same.
"We are ready for the first day", Mr. O'Beirne said.
The only question remaining is whether students are ready, a question which will be readily answered next Wednesday morning when the doors swing open and another school year begins!
Free/Reduced Lunch Policies
The East Rockaway, Lynbrook and Malverne School Districts have all adopted free and/or reduced price meal and milk policies for the upcoming school year. Depending upon family income, children in eligible families will receive either free or reduced-price lunches and milk. The programs are designed to ensure that children in families with limited income receive wholesome, nourishing food while in school.
Households whose children receive Food Stamps or Aid to Dependent Children (ADC), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) must either complete an application or provide a Direct Certification letter from the State.
Applications without a food stamp, ADC, TANF or FDPIR number must provide household number and income information to certify their economic need. Foster children may also be eligible for free of reduced price meals.
Application forms will be sent home after the start of school with a letter to parents. Forms will be accepted throughout the school term. Designated reviewers are: In East Rockaway, The Food Services Director; In Malverne, respective building principals; and for Lynbrook, Mr. Alan S. Phillips, Assistant Superintendent for Business. Only complete applications can be approved. Parent or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the designated official may request, verbally or in writing, for a hearing to appeal the decision. All information will be kept confidential, but school districts have the right to verify information provided on the applications.
