By KIMBERLY ACEVEDO
Restivo has spent the past 15 years as the director of mathematics for the Mineola school district, where he made a wide range of contributions to the high school. In some respects, he did much of the work of an assistant principal, Long Beach officials said.
We believe we have found someone who will make a fine educational leader for Long Beach High School, one district official said.
Of the three finalists, Restivo was chosen for several reasons, according to Superintendent Ron Friedman. The district set out to locate an individual who could display several characteristics including someone who is child-centered, relates well to and respects youngsters, and truly enjoys working with them, Friedman said.
The district was looking for a consensus builder, an educational leader and a team player, he added. Friedman said he felt Restivo displayed all the right characteristics. Restivo will officially join the Long Beach School District on June 1 and begin getting acquainted with his new school.
After receiving his M.S. in mathematics education from C.W. Post College of Long Island University in 1977, Restivo received his professional diploma in 1986. During that time, he taught in several schools including, Trimble Technical High School, William H. Taft High School, Springfield Gardens High School and Plainview-Old Bethpage High School. In 1986, Restivo became the chairperson of mathematics for grades 7-12 at H. Frank Carey Junior-Senior High School in Franklin Square. In 1987, he moved on to the Mineola Union Free School District as the director of mathematics.
During his 15 years with the Mineola School district, Restivo not only provided leadership in mathematics, but he became involved in the many aspects of operating a high school. He became involved in school discipline, safety and security, extracurricular activities, schedule development and budgeting and finance. Most of his activities, Friedman said, are often the job of an assistant principle.
He sits as the current president-elect of the New York State Association of Mathematics Supervisors, and was the past president of the Nassau County Association of Mathematics Supervisors. Restivo has participated in numerous committees and presentations, which involved mathematics and general educational issues. He has made presentations on the New York State School Report Cards Textbook Adoption.
Besides his school involvement, Restivo has served as a community leader. He has served as a girl scout and youth group leader, a church deacon and a Sunday school teacher. Restivo has been a PTA board member and vice-president. He was also awarded the VanZandt Award for Lifetime Community Service.
But for Restivo, moving into the position as principal title has been a dream come true.
Being the director of math at Mineola was a step into administrative work, Restivo said. He referred to his role at Mineola as a 15 year detour of what he really wanted to be.
And Restivo is no stranger to the Long Beach School District. During the mid 90s, both districts, Mineola and Long Beach, collaborated on a technology program. He worked with several staff members, which made his interest in Long Beach greater.
One change Restivo would like to see in the high school is to have Long Beach High School recognized as a school of excellence. He would also like to give more back to the community with added public performances by the students, he said.
But on the academic side, work still has to be done, he said. Changes to the curriculum have not been set in stone, but Restivo wants to make sure the children are equally challenged according to their levels.
