Northwell Health Pays a Special Visit to Valley Stream 24

Northwell Health’s Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Valley Stream recently visited Brooklyn Avenue School in the Valley Stream 24 School District to see its “Sponsor a Classroom” initiative in action, celebrating the meaningful impact of this year’s donations on students and teachers. During the visit, students expressed their gratitude and demonstrated the new skills they’ve gained thanks to the program’s contributions, which aim to enrich learning and enhance the overall classroom experience.

Through generous fundraising efforts, LIJ Valley Stream fulfilled the wish lists of two dedicated Brooklyn Avenue School educators: fourth-grade teacher Leigh Tamburello and kindergarten teacher Joanna Walbrecht. Board of Education Vice President Markus Wilson, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas, Building Principal Dr. Scott Comis, and school staff visited the hospital in September to collect more than a dozen boxes of much-needed supplies.

Ms. Tamburello’s classroom received a robust collection of instructional resources, including a Cricut machine, essential school supplies, birthday prizes, and other tools designed to boost student engagement and creativity. For Ms. Walbrecht’s kindergarten students, LIJ Valley Stream provided early-learning materials such as a puppet theater, a kitchen playset, and additional hands-on items that support creativity, social-emotional learning, and imaginative play.

“We are very grateful for this collaboration, which truly reflects the power of strong community partnerships,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas. “Our Board of Education recently approved these generous gifts from Northwell at its business meeting. By working together with our community partners, we are able to provide resources that expand opportunities and empower our students to succeed.”

The Valley Stream 24 School District continues to prioritize strong community relationships that support educators, strengthen instruction, and ensure every student has access to high-quality learning experiences. The district extends its sincere appreciation to Northwell Health’s LIJ Valley Stream for its ongoing commitment to the community and its investment in student success.

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

Robert W. Carbonaro School Hosts Exciting Thanksgiving Parade

Kindergarten students at Robert W. Carbonaro School in the Valley Stream 24 School District brought joy and excitement to the halls as they participated in a festive Thanksgiving parade ahead of the holiday break.

The young students proudly marched through the hallways, holding colorful balloons and wearing handmade Thanksgiving crowns they created in class. Staff and fellow students lined the corridors to cheer them on, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere.

The Thanksgiving parade gives kindergarteners an opportunity to express their creativity while fostering a strong sense of community within the school. The smiles, excitement, and pride shown by the students exemplify the spirit of the season and highlight the school’s dedication to enriching student experiences.

The event served as a festive send-off before the Thanksgiving break and demonstrated the school’s commitment to providing engaging and memorable moments for its students.

William L. Buck School Hosts Thanksgiving Celebration and Turkey Trot

William L. Buck School ushered in the Thanksgiving spirit with a festive, fun-filled celebration organized by dedicated teacher volunteers and the PTA. Principal Michael DeBlasio led the event and embraced the holiday cheer in full festive attire, setting the tone for a celebration rooted in gratitude, community, and excitement.

“We are grateful for our administrators, teachers, PTA, and district community for bringing this Thanksgiving celebration to life,” said Valley Stream 24 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas. “Events like this showcase the strong partnerships within our community that help create meaningful experiences our students will remember.”

The Thanksgiving celebration featured a rotation of engaging activity stations designed to give students a joyful and enriching experience before the Thanksgiving break. Students participated in hands-on activities that promoted creativity, teamwork, and reflection on the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Later in the day, the school community came together for an energetic Turkey Trot. Students enthusiastically ran around as families, staff, and volunteers cheered them on. Adding to the festive atmosphere, PTA members greeted students at the finish line with warm apple cider, providing a cozy and celebratory treat.

William L. Buck School extends its heartfelt appreciation to all volunteers and participants who made this year’s Thanksgiving celebration and Turkey Trot a resounding success.

Valley Stream 24 Celebrates Student Leadership and Civic Engagement

The Valley Stream 24 School District proudly announces the election of its new Student Council members across all three schools. District administrators, Board of Education trustees, families, and community legislators were in attendance as students at Brooklyn Avenue School, William L. Buck School, and Robert W. Carbonaro School delivered thoughtful and inspiring speeches before selecting their new student leaders.

Among those present were New York State Senator Patricia Canzoneri Fitzpatrick, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, and Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, whose attendance reflected strong community support for student voice and civic engagement. At Robert W. Carbonaro School, a former Student Council President was invited to speak to students, offering meaningful words of encouragement and advice that reinforced the impact of student leadership across generations.

Student speeches highlighted how leadership can strengthen collaboration to create events and experiences that are meaningful, inclusive, and engaging for all students. This further reinforced the importance of student voice in shaping positive school culture.

“I was truly impressed by the confidence and thoughtfulness of our students, as well as the way they wove our District motto, Make the Connection, Innovating Our Future, into their speeches,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas. “It was powerful to see that Make the Connection, Innovating Our Future is not just a phrase, but something our students are beginning to internalize and live. Their vision for leadership rooted in collaboration, service, and partnership reflects the positive culture we continue to build across our schools.”

The seamless execution of these celebrations was made possible through the dedication of the Student Council advisors in each school who worked collaboratively with their building principals to bring these events to life. At Brooklyn Avenue School, Mrs. Ponzo Byrams and Mrs. Casucci partnered with Principal Comis; at William L. Buck School, Ms. Iadevaio and Mrs. Campo worked closely with Principal DeBlasio; and at Robert W. Carbonaro School, Mrs. Fowler and Mrs. Haufler coordinated alongside Principal Iacono to support and guide student leaders throughout this meaningful process.

The Valley Stream 24 School District congratulates all newly elected Student Council members and extends sincere recognition to every student who had the courage to stand before their peers and speak publicly. Their bravery, confidence, and commitment to leadership are a reflection of the connected culture Valley Stream 24 is proud to cultivate across its schools.

For more information about Valley Stream 24, please visit the District’s website at https://valleystreamschooldist... and ‘like’ our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VS24S... #MakeTheConnection #VS24 #InnovatingOurFuture

Valley Stream 24 School District Launches Abii Robot Pilot

The Valley Stream 24 School District continues to advance its Vision 2030 initiative by engaging district administrators and the technology team in professional development focused on the Abii Robot. This training, coordinated by Director of Technology and Data Mark Onorato, reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to exploring innovative tools that enhance teaching and learning.

As part of this initiative, the district will pilot the Abii Robot, an interactive AI learning tool designed to offer personalized academic support to students. The pilot will take place in one classroom at each school, providing educators with an opportunity to assess its impact on student engagement and learning outcomes.

Now in its third year, Vision 2030 emphasizes the expansion of targeted pilot projects across schools, the strategic integration of artificial intelligence into instruction, and the strengthening of authentic student engagement within the curriculum, all aligned with the core cornerstones of the district’s vision.

“These pilot programs allow us to thoughtfully explore how emerging technologies can support our teachers and meet the diverse needs of our learners,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas. “The Abii Robot is one of the many ways we are preparing our students and schools for the future of learning.”

The district looks forward to collecting data throughout the pilot and will continue to evaluate innovative tools that align with and support the goals of Vision 2030.

Valley Stream 24 School District Honors Veterans Day with Visit from Esteemed Local Veteran

Schools across the Valley Stream 24 School District recently commemorated Veterans Day by providing students with a meaningful opportunity to meet George Catalanotto, a Vietnam veteran and respected Valley Stream resident. Through personal stories and reflections from his time in service, Mr. Catalanotto helped students gain a deeper understanding of the significance of Veterans Day and the importance of honoring those who have served our nation.

During his presentation, he shared insights into the meaning of Veterans Day and showcased personal artifacts from his military experience. These moments offered students a powerful, firsthand perspective on the sacrifices made by service members and reinforced the values of gratitude, respect, and remembrance. Following the presentation, students engaged in thoughtful conversation with Mr. Catalanotto, asking questions and connecting with his experiences in a meaningful and personal way.

The visit served as a powerful reminder of the real people and lived experiences behind history, fostering reflection on courage, service, and community while honoring the true spirit of Veterans Day.

A prominent figure in the community, Mr. Catalanotto was recognized as the 2022 Valley Stream Herald Person of the Year. His continued dedication is evident through his active involvement in local boards and committees, as well as his membership in Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1790 and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), reflecting an enduring commitment to service well beyond his military years.

Valley Stream 24 Sixth-Grade Students Take Inspiring Trip to the Nassau County Museum of Art

Sixth grade students in the Valley Stream 24 School District’s Challenge Program recently embarked on an enriching field trip to the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn, where they explored and analyzed a wide array of art, culture, and history.

Guided by Challenge Program Teacher Amanda Plutner and Art teachers supporting enrichment, students toured several captivating exhibitions that deepened their understanding of artistic expression and historical influence.

One exhibition, At Play, highlights artists’ enduring fascination with entertainment in all its forms. Students examined works spanning from the nineteenth century Belle Époque to the modern day, featuring renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann. The exhibition offered a dynamic range of perspectives, from vivid portrayals of leisure activities to striking portraits of the personalities who shaped popular culture.

Students also explored an exhibition dedicated to Louis Comfort Tiffany, one of America’s most celebrated artists. Renowned for transforming the decorative arts in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Tiffany revolutionized stained glass design through his innovative use of color and craftsmanship. His pioneering ability to “paint” with glass redefined an art form that had remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Another highlight of the visit was May We All Grow Up to Be Children, an immersive exhibit inspired by The Boy and the Boy King, an International Book Award Finalist for Children’s Literature. The exhibition, located in Gallery 5, featured 26 imaginative works by George H. Lewis, co-created with A.D. Lubow, encouraging students to reflect on imagination, growth, and creativity.

The visit aligned closely with the Challenge program’s focus on critical thinking and creativity.

Students were encouraged to analyze artistic choices, interpret meaning, and make connections between art, history, and self-expression.

This spring, Challenge Program students will have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and artistic talents at the New York State Art Teachers Association’s Olympics of the Visual Arts, continuing their exploration of art and innovation beyond the classroom.

Valley Stream 24 Students Celebrate Halloween with Trunk or Treat Events and Parades

Students at the Valley Stream 24 School District celebrated Halloween in style with festive and family friendly Trunk or Treat events hosted by each school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA), as well as parades. The celebrations brought the community together for an afternoon filled with creativity, laughter, and Halloween spirit.

Families transformed their car trunks into imaginative displays, from favorite movie moments to cheerful fall designs, creating a colorful lineup that delighted students and families alike. Children made their way from car to car collecting treats, enjoying the excitement of trick or treating in a safe and welcoming school environment.

“The Trunk or Treat celebrations and the parades beautifully reflect our district motto, Make the Connection,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas. “Make the Connection is more than a phrase. It represents how we bring our schools, families, and community together to create meaningful experiences that build belonging, joy, and shared purpose across Valley Stream 24.”

The Valley Stream 24 School District extends its sincere appreciation to all the volunteers, staff, and families who helped make the celebrations a success and looks forward to continuing this fun and inclusive Halloween tradition for years to come.

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.

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.