Valley Stream 24 Celebrates Fire Safety Month

In recognition of Fire Safety Month, Brooklyn Avenue School welcomed members of the Valley Stream Fire Department for an exciting and educational event aimed at teaching life-saving fire safety skills to students.

The visit featured an interactive demonstration where students practiced how to safely exit a smoke-filled room using non-toxic, simulated smoke. In addition to this hands-on activity, firefighters spoke with students about essential fire safety strategies, including how to create a home escape plan, the importance of smoke detectors, and how to respond in an emergency.

The event also highlighted the vital role of the Valley Stream volunteer fire company. Students gained a deeper appreciation for the bravery and dedication of local volunteers who work tirelessly to keep the community safe.

Valley Stream 24 remains committed to providing meaningful, real-world learning experiences that prepare students to be responsible and informed citizens.

For more information about Valley Stream 24, please visit the District’s website at https://valleystreamschooldistrict24.org and ‘like’ our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VS24SchoolDistrict #MakeTheConnection #VS24 #InnovatingOurFuture

Valley Stream 24 Celebrates the Festival of Lights

Kindergarten students at Brooklyn Avenue School in the Valley Stream 24 School District recently celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with joy, creativity, and cultural exploration.

Classrooms were filled with laughter, color, and the delicious aromas of traditional treats as the district’s youngest learners explored stories and traditions from Indian culture. Students listened to beautiful tales about light overcoming darkness, enjoyed cultural foods lovingly shared by families and created their own paper diyas or oil lanterns.

“A big thank you to our families who contributed stories, foods, and time to make this event so meaningful,” said Brooklyn Avenue School Principal Dr. Scott Comis. “Days like this remind us that learning happens not only in lessons, but also in shared experiences that bring us together as a school community.”

The celebration was part of the district’s ongoing commitment to cultural awareness and inclusion, giving students meaningful ways to connect with one another and the world around them.

Brooklyn Avenue School Hosts Festive Pumpkin Patch for Students and Families

The Brooklyn Avenue Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) continued a cherished tradition by hosting the school’s annual pumpkin patch, bringing the spirit of the fall season to life for every student.

“Our PTA goes above and beyond to create memorable experiences for our students,” said Brooklyn Avenue School Principal Dr. Scott Comis. “The Pumpkin Patch is a wonderful example of how community spirit and family engagement bring warmth and joy to our school.”

Throughout the day, classes ventured outdoors with their teachers to explore a festive display of pumpkins. Each student had the chance to select their very own pumpkin to take home, creating a joyful autumn memory to share with their families. The event transformed the schoolyard into a scene of laughter, smiles, and the warm colors of fall.

The pumpkin patch is a testament to the PTA’s commitment to organizing creative events and programs for the community to help build a vibrant and inclusive school community. Their thoughtful planning ensured that every child and teacher felt united and ready to celebrate the fall season.

Valley Stream 24 extends heartfelt thanks to its PTAs for their continued generosity, service, and commitment to enriching the student experience.

Valley Stream 24 School District Hosts Hispanic Heritage Month Wax Museum

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, students at William L. Buck School transformed their gymnasium into an interactive wax museum celebrating influential Hispanic figures, role models, and cultural icons.

Students brought history to life by researching notable individuals who have made a lasting impact on the world. Dressed in character, they embodied inspiring leaders, artists, activists, and pioneers while sharing their knowledge with others. The museum highlighted not only the rich contributions of Hispanic individuals throughout history but also the district’s commitment to fostering cultural awareness and academic excellence.

Hispanic Heritage Month has been incorporated into the District’s Spanish curriculum as part of its ongoing effort to promote cultural understanding and celebrate diversity. Valley Stream 24 is proud to offer Spanish to all students in grades 3–6.

“The event was a tremendous success and a wonderful celebration of culture, history, and student learning,” said Principal Michael DeBlasio.

The Hispanic Heritage Wax Museum served as a powerful example of the district’s dedication to inclusive education, cultural appreciation, and community celebration.

Valley Stream 24 School District Builds Momentum on Vision 2030 with Educational Leader Ray McNulty

Now in its third year of implementing Vision 2030, the Valley Stream 24 School District welcomed back nationally recognized education leader Ray McNulty for a professional development workshop reinforcing the district’s commitment to engaging students and preparing them for a rapidly changing world.

Ray McNulty, President of the Successful Practices Network (SPN) and former Commissioner of Education for the State of Vermont, returned to Valley Stream 24 to collaborate with administrators, sixth-grade departmentalized teachers, library media specialists, technology teachers, and pilot project kindergarten teachers. His visit focused on deepening understanding of student engagement and 21st-century skill development through the Rigor and Relevance Framework, a model he helped pioneer to bridge academic learning with real-world application.

In its third year, Vision 2030 now focuses on expanding pilot projects across schools, strategically infusing artificial intelligence into teaching and learning, and enhancing authentic student engagement within the curriculum—all aligned with the cornerstones of the district’s vision.

Throughout the sessions, staff worked alongside Mr. McNulty to align instruction with the Vision 2030 cornerstones, exploring innovative pilot strategies that promote authentic learning, student voice, and intellectual engagement. The collaborative workshops served as an incubator for new ideas designed to strengthen classroom practices and empower students to take ownership of their learning.

Professional development experiences like this are a cornerstone of Vision 2030—the district’s forward-looking initiative that cultivates dynamic, future-ready learning environments. By investing in educator growth and collaboration, Valley Stream 24 continues to ensure that all students are equipped with the critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills essential for success in the 21st century.

The Successful Practices Network (SPN), an education nonprofit, supports educators nationwide by offering professional learning and coaching. SPN addresses a range of educational challenges, including the impact of artificial intelligence on learning, career and technical training, attendance, and more. Through its partnership with SPN, Valley Stream 24 is positioning itself on the cutting edge of educational practices nationwide.