Monday, January 20, 2025
The Uniondale Board of Education recently showed their heartfelt appreciation for teacher assistants throughout the school district. At their December board meeting, on Dec. 10, one TA from each school in the district was recognized, appreciated and given special certificates from the district noting their “invaluable service” to the school community.
Doloures McMillan is a TA at Grand Avenue School who is a former educator with 33 years of experience, and she is the parent of the Uniondale High School valedictorian of 2004, Simeon McMillan. She was honored for her contributions since joining Uniondale as a permanent substitute teacher and then a TA after her retirement.
“She is an exceptional support for students and is dedicated,” Samantha Diaz, principal of Grand Avenue School, said about McMillan at the board meeting. “She consistently goes above and beyond to assist both students and the faculty daily, creating a positive and engaging learning environment for all.
“Mrs. McMillan is a hard worker, she works non stop, just so you know,” Diaz added. “She is patient and she is committed to making a lifelong, lasting impact with all students.”
Thelina Davis, who has served the district for 11 years, was recognized for her unwavering support of students as a TA in the special education department at Smith Street School.
“Your positive attitude, patience and compassion create a welcoming atmosphere and make you a fantastic team (player),” Elaine Debono, Smith Street principal, said to Davis at the meeting. “You consistently go above and beyond to support all students, and your unwavering commitment to their success is truly inspiring through all the good and the bad, great days that we have together.”
Sandra Duffy, a TA at Walnut Street School in the pre-k program who also works in the dual language program, was also recognized for her dedication and dependability, Kevin Bracht, Walnut Street principal, said.
“Mrs. Duffy consistently goes above and beyond all aspects of her goal, taking the initiative to support students in the home, in the classroom, in the long term and on the playground,” he said at the meeting.
Theresa Black, a Uniondale High School TA in the special education department, received resounding applause as “nothing short of a legend” at Uniondale High School, according to Mark McCaw, the current Lawrence Road Middle School principal and former Uniondale High principal. McCaw and Shawn Brown, Uniondale High’s current principal, took turns speaking about Black’s achievements.
“Mrs. Black works with the students who need the most care and attention. And let me tell you this, she does it all with a heart of gold,” McCaw said at the meeting. “I enjoyed not only just teaching her amazing children, but also working alongside Mrs. Black as my colleague, and believe me, if you’ve ever seen Miss Black in action with her testing teams and her transportation teams, you will swear she has superpowers.
“Mrs. Black’s dedication to our children is unshaken, and her love for our kids is rooted deep in this great Uniondale community,” he added, noting that he knows Black will always be “Uniondale strong.”
Other recognized TAs include Karen Porter from Turtle Hook Middle School, Natalie Bethea from Lawrence Road Middle School — who is an alumna of Lawrence Road and Uniondale High and became a full-time TA in 2012 — and Ronald Moses from Northern Parkway Elementary School.
As each one was called up to the podium for their recognition, they received a certification and took a photo with their school principal and the board of education.
The board’s recognition of these TAs highlight the role they play in encouraging a supportive environment for students. Their dedication aids in the success of Uniondale students and staff.
