By DEBBIE ROSEN
Island Park shapes up for new school year
Several weeks before the opening of school in Island Park, tiny tots climbed aboard school buses and headed off to kindergarten. And they took their parents with them. Surprisingly enough, it was reported there were only two criers in the bunch... oh, and they were both parents.
For the first time in Island Park, kindergarten orientation took place for an entire week, from Monday to Friday, August 21-28 between the hours of 9:30 and 11 a.m. Youngsters came by bus and for the first day only, parents rode alongside their children. Students went over the usual days of the week, the alphabet, and even had a snack in the school cafeteria.
The early orientation was aimed at getting students familiar with the routine of going to school for the first time and the results were anything but routine. It was a blooming success. These same students started kindergarten full time right from the get go.
"The students had storytime and even experienced a fire drill," said Dr. Edward Price, acting superintendent of Island Park Schools at the Monday, August 28, board of education meeting. "The program was a huge success and, in fact, 81 of the 85 students registered participated in the program," he added, offering "kudos" to kindergarten teacher Denise Benedetto and teacher assistant Laurain Hastava, who ran the week long program.
Dr. Price read from a letter written by one parent, congratulating the two on a job well-done, telling how the experience alleviated any anxiety her child had prior to his experience.
Catching up with Ms. Benedetto and Ms. Hastava a week prior to the opening of school, the two were busy putting the finishing touches on their classroom bulletin boards at the Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School. "The children had a wonderful time," said Ms. Benedetto. "Now they will be ready for school," she added.
For the first month, students will learn the usual colors, shapes, etc.. and will experience art, music, and gym out of the classroom. The teachers said prior to this year, art and music were only held in the class. While the teachers plan many musical and creative activities for inside their class, they said, its a growing experience for them to have "specials" outside the class just like the big kids.
"We even had PA announcements for the kindergartners," said Gloria Maffettone, school principal, who said she got staff ready for the first day last year by dressing up as a cheerleader to spur them on.
Teacher Lori Strejlau was also in school last week setting up her new classroom. After teaching many grades, including second, third, and sixth, for the first time she will educate first graders. "Change is great," said Ms. Strejlau, regarding her new position. "It keeps you fresh."
As for the remainder of the staff in Island Park, the district is ready and waiting for a new year to begin with a new focus on technology, language arts, and an additional fifth grade section at the Lincoln Orens Middle School.
Dr. Price said a big thrust for this year is the installation of computers in classrooms, one in each and every class in the district. Staff development in this area will also be a focal point. "The first week we will conduct a survey to see where the greatest need is regarding professional development," he said. "Then we will work with BOCES to schedule a topic for our November Conference Day.
ELA work continues
Island Park is also putting a spotlight on English language Arts (ELA). Dr. Price said that although the district was pleased with state scores in this area, further investigation indicated a need to concentrate on higher level thinking skills. Materials for this cause will be on hand shortly.
To help strengthen students' skills in ELA, the district hired a reading recovery teacher, Jayne Blistein, to work with first graders. Dr. Price said Ms. Blistein will work intensely with children most in need on a one-to-one basis, for a 20-week block, making sure at the program's end that students are up to par.
All in all, Dr. Price said staff members are ready and buildings up to snuff for the start of this school season. "We've done maintenance over the summer and the buildings are in great shape," said Dr. Price. "And after all the rain this past summer, the grass is surely green."
