Valley Stream 24 Board of Education Adopts Proposed 2022-2023 Budget

(MAY 2022) -Valley Stream 24 strives to create a learning environment that challenges each student to become a self-sufficient, cooperative, responsible, and contributing member of a global society and encourages them to achieve their highest potential. Programs included in the proposed 2022-2023 budget that support this goal are: 

• Parent Academies                                     
• Universal Pre-K 
• Full-Day Kindergarten  
• Enhanced Reading Program
• Robust STEAM Curriculum 
• Robotics Program 
• Innovative Instructional Technology Initiatives 
• BOCES Summer School Program 
• Enrichment for All 
• Spanish Language Program 
• Outdoor Education Program 
• Integrated Co-Teaching Program 
• Comprehensive Professional Development  
• Wellness CARE initiatives and more!

The proposed budget also provides funding to support building and grounds improvement projects and enhanced security initiatives. 

 The proposed 2022-2023 budget continues to advance the District’s efforts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The proposed budget builds on the significant progress made by the District in the area of DEI over the past several years and puts in place programs that will build and expand on these achievements.   The district tax levy has always been at or below the state-imposed tax cap. With the increase in state aid projected for the 2022-2023 school year, the District has been able to minimize the tax levy impact to a 1.5% increase. 

On the May 17 ballot, there will be two 2022-2023 proposed budgets - the Valley Stream 24 budget and the Valley Stream Central High School District budget. There will be two additional propositions from the Central High School District that will be on the ballot, both involving the expenditure of funds from previously approved capital reserve funds.  Approval of these two Valley Stream Central High School District propositions will have no tax impact.  

All residents are encouraged to become informed and vote on Tuesday, May 17. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. To verify your polling location, please check https://nb.findmypollplace.com/valleystream24ufsd.         

 (APRIL, 2022)—Autism Acceptance Month is annually observed throughout the month of April, and April 2 was Autism Acceptance Day. In Valley Stream 24’s three schools, Autism Acceptance  Day was celebrated on Friday, April 1. Students across the District showed their support for those with autism in many different ways. For example, students engaged in discussions about autism and how they can show support for those who are on the spectrum. Students also read So Many Smarts by Michael Genhart. The book celebrates the fact that there are many different “smarts,” and that no two people show their “smarts” in exactly the same way. Students were able to identify some of the ways they show their own strengths every day by completing a Soar With Your Strengths worksheet. Students colored in the hot air balloon and wrote down what their strengths are. 

“Across the District, we are proud of our students and staff for their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Dr. Don Sturz, Superintendent of Valley Stream 24 Schools. “It is important to educate our students about autism and neurodiversity so that they can show compassion and support for those who may be different from them. It’s great to see our students celebrate and respect everyone's differences.”

On the Friday Valley Stream 24 Schools celebrated Autism Acceptance Day, there was also plenty of blue worn by staff and students in Valley Stream 24. The color blue’s association with autism first originated with the autism advocacy association commonly known as Autism Speaks. Their Light it Up Blue campaign encourages everyone to wear blue to support autism awareness and acceptance. 

(MARCH, 2022)— World Down Syndrome Day is an annual March 21 celebration and global awareness day officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. March 21 (3/21) was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. The Rock Your Socks campaign, also referred to as the Lots of Socks campaign, encourages people to wear mismatched, colorful socks on March 21 in support of World Down Syndrome Day and those individuals and families living with Down Syndrome.  

 “It was inspiring to see our students, faculty, and staff wearing mismatched socks to school on World Down Syndrome Day,” said Dr. Don Sturz, Superintendent of Valley Stream 24 Schools. “It’s important to bring awareness and educate our students about what Down Syndrome is, what it means for someone who has Down Syndrome, and how people with Down Syndrome play a vital role in our communities. With understanding comes acceptance and a greater opportunity for inclusion in all aspects of life for those with Down Syndrome.” 

 Students, faculty, and staff in all three schools of Valley Stream 24 had a joyful day on Monday, March 21 showing off and comparing their mismatched socks attire. The #RockYourSocks campaign focuses on wearing mismatched socks because the karyotype of Down Syndrome actually looks like mismatched socks! 

(MARCH, 2022)—During the month of March, Valley Stream 24 Schools displayed student artwork throughout the three schools for Youth Art Month. Valley Stream 24 students also had their artwork featured in the 32nd Annual Legislative Student Art Exhibit presented by the New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA) in collaboration with New York State United Teachers (NYSUT). This year's Youth Art Month’s theme is Art Connects Us.

 “Youth Art Month is a great opportunity to recognize our students’ creativity and the important developmental contributions that art plays in their education,” said Dr. Don Sturz, Superintendent of Valley Stream 24 Schools. “This month allows us to celebrate the awesome artistic abilities of our students and to recognize that each child has a unique way of self-expression.”

For the NYSATA art exhibition, artwork selections were displayed from two students from each of the District’s three schools. The NYSATA Legislative Art Exhibit is the flagship event for Youth Art Month and the largest public display of student artwork in a government building. The student art exhibit that is held in the Legislative Office Building in Albany each Spring was founded in 1990. Due to the safety of everyone during the pandemic, this year’s exhibit was held virtually. Please click here to watch the virtual exhibit: https://www.nysata.org/legislative-exhibit 

(MARCH, 2022)—Valley Stream 24 schools are immersing themselves in Women’s History Month. Annually observed in March in the United States since 1987, Women’s History Month is dedicated to highlighting women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. 

In honor of International Women’s Day, celebrated on Tuesday, March 8, William L. Buck Elementary School students created paper dolls of famous women throughout history. The dolls are displayed in the school's Women’s HERstory Month display.

Robert W. Carbonaro students learned about women in STEM, such as scientist Eugenie Clark, who became known as The Shark Lady for her in-depth and groundbreaking study of sharks. Students read The Shark Lady by Jess Keating, live-streamed an aquarium, and used VR goggles to explore the ocean depths. Students especially enjoyed the virtual experience of going “face-to-face” with sharks, just like Eugenie Clark did throughout her career. 

Students at Brooklyn Avenue Elementary School have been researching influential women leaders by using the Pixton application. Pixton is an interactive platform for creating comic book storyboards using avatars, backgrounds, texts, and themes that can be shared within the classrooms. The students drafted questions and conducted research in their Media Center, then created storyboards with their avatars to conduct “live interviews” with the inspiring women of their choice. 

(MARCH 2022)—Read Across America Week, celebrated this year during the week of February 28, was created by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help children get excited about and develop a love for reading.  

“Read Across America Week offers a wonderful opportunity to engage our students with reading activities. Nurturing the love of reading at an early age gives our students a jump start on expanding their vocabulary and fosters creativity and imagination. Reading also helps strengthen their language and literacy skills,” noted Dr. Don Sturz, Superintendent of Valley Stream 24 Schools. 

To kick off Read Across America Week, Dr. Sturz surprised Robert W. Carbonaro students by stopping by to read Are You Ready to Play Outside? by Mo Willems. Another milestone event in celebration of Read Across America Week at Robert W. Carbonaro was Around the World Wednesday. Students and staff celebrated with a Parade of Peace while wearing clothing that represented the many cultures in their community. 

 At William L. Buck Elementary School, students were encouraged to pick out books to read from the school’s library collection and work on their reading response activities.  Brooklyn Avenue students welcomed two very special guest readers in honor of Read Across America Week. First, William L. Buck Elementary School Principal Ms. Gaddy visited to read Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival, and then shared her personal strategies for managing her own worries.

Brooklyn Avenue students were also treated to a virtual visit by Brooklyn Avenue alum and current Duke University star women’s basketball player and three-time USA Basketball Gold Medalist, Celeste Taylor. In addition to reading to the students, Celeste shared how her experiences at Brooklyn Avenue ignited her love of reading.  Throughout Read Across America Week, guest readers at Valley Stream 24 schools engaged students in meaningful discussions about the importance of working hard, remaining committed to their goals, and helping each other along the way.  

(February 2022)—In celebration of Black History Month, Valley Stream District 24 students have been immersing themselves in classroom activities. A few of the activities are highlighted below. 

In Brooklyn Avenue Elementary School, students learned about Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel into space when she served as a NASA mission specialist aboard the space shuttle Endeavor in 1992. Students worked cooperatively to design their own rockets where they competed to achieve the greatest distance and speed.  Students constructed their own rockets in different ways by using air propulsion. 

In Robert W. Carbonaro Elementary School, students created a collaborative biographical quilt highlighting incredible leaders in their fields of work including education, science, government, arts, and sports. They shared information about their chosen individual’s life and accomplishments with their fellow classmates. 

In William L. Buck Elementary School, students kicked off Black History Month by co-hosting the morning announcements to highlight Unsung Heroes. Each day, students spoke about the change-makers who made a significant impact on the country. The students’ research reports on Unsung Heroes were shared with others. The students also learned about Alma Woodsey Thomas, an artist, during art classes. The students were inspired to create abstract art projects. Several classrooms also created biography quilts. 

(February 2022)—Every year students in  Valley Stream 24 schools have the honor of participating in the Valentine’s For Veterans program. This heart-warming program is designed to let our Veterans who are currently in a hospital or nursing home know that they and their sacrifices are not forgotten.

“Students enjoyed decorating Valentine's Day cards that expressed their gratitude for our brave Veterans,” said Dr. Don Sturz, Superintendent of Valley Stream 24 Schools. “Our District takes pride in efforts to emphasize the importance of community engagement for our students and Valentines for Veterans is a great opportunity to connect our students to the community.” 

Elementary school students decorated the cards and wrote messages of wellness and gratitude. This year, the students of Valley Stream 24 created over 400 Valentine's cards for Veterans. These heartfelt and uniquely designed cards will be distributed to Veterans throughout the community as part of the Valentines for Veterans program, sponsored this year by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Assemblywoman Judy Griffin. 

(February 2022)—On Tuesday, February 1, Valley Stream School District 24 celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year, also commonly referred to as the Spring Festival. Each of the schools in the District incorporated lessons and activities emphasizing the rich Chinese culture and traditions of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations. While most often referred to as the Chinese Lunar New Year, the Lunar New Year is also celebrated in countries throughout East and Southeast Asia, including Japan, Vietnam, Mongolia, North, and South Korea. Each of the respective countries celebrates the Lunar New Year with its own traditions.  

“It’s awesome to see all three schools in the District acknowledge  Lunar New Year,” said Dr. Don Sturz, Superintendent of Valley Stream School District 24. “Diversity is one of the many strengths in our District and engaging our students in different cultural holidays is one of the many ways we endeavor to teach respect, understanding, and inclusiveness.”

 Students in William L. Buck Elementary School celebrated the Lunar New Year by creating folded paper lanterns, tigers, and dragons in their art class. Students also participated in a Lunar New Year parade featuring the dragon masks that they created. 

Robert W. Carbonaro School students celebrated by participating in a Family Heritage Project. Students interviewed family members at home to gather information about their heritage and shared this information with their classmates, including the languages spoken, climate, family traditions, native recipes, and other interesting facts about their family's cultural background. 

Brooklyn Avenue School students had a blast creating decorations as they celebrated the Year of the Tiger. They learned about the traditional music and symbols of the Lunar New Year and that the Year of the Tiger represents courage, strength, and resilience.  

(January 2022)—Valley Stream 24 schools hosted spelling bees from Wednesday, January 19 to Friday, January 21. The spelling bee competitions were held as part of the Scripps National Spelling Bee initiative.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is operated on a not-for-profit basis by the E.W Scripps Company. The intent of the program is to “help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives.” The first spelling bee was held in 1925. Over 90 years later, the initiative has grown to where it reaches 11 million students annually. For the past 50+ years, the Scripps National Spelling Bee has partnered with Merriam-Webster to present meaningful and fascinating words to all the spellers across the country.

“Our students had a great time participating in our spelling bee events this year,” said Dr. Don Sturz, Superintendent of Valley Stream 24 Schools. “We encourage our students to participate in this program because we know it can help them grow their vocabulary skills and spelling acumen while providing them with a fun, challenging activity.”

Each of the schools in Valley Stream 24 had classroom representatives from the first grade through the sixth grade participate. Family and friends of participating students were able to watch the spelling bee competitions virtually.

Robert W. Carbonaro Elementary School:

1st Place: Alex. B

2nd Place: Alyssa G.

William L. Buck Elementary School:

1st Place: Ava M.

2nd Place: Alex M.

Brooklyn Avenue Elementary School:

1st Place: Surianna L.

2nd Place: Cinque G.

(January 2022)—In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Valley Stream School District 24 schools participated in various school activities in the week prior to the holiday designed to raise awareness of Dr. King’s teachings and the ideals and values he fought for during his lifetime. 

William L. Buck Elementary School held a service day on Thursday, January 13. The purpose of the service day was to remember that Monday, which is a federal holiday, represents not just a day off, but a day to give back and to celebrate the importance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s contributions, and finding ways to apply his teachings in our everyday lives. Some of the activities that took place for service day included students making cards to be delivered to The Bristal Assisted Living Center in Lynbrook. Another activity involved decorating and filling over 100 bags with snacks for seniors. The bags were provided to Meals on Wheels, a not-for-profit organization supporting thousands of senior citizen Long Islanders’ facing isolation and hunger challenges with food deliveries and health checks.  The hallways of William L. Buck were filled with artwork dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including a collage of the American civil rights pioneer created by the students with drawings of peace signs surrounding his mural.

Robert W. Carbonaro Elementary school commemorated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by conducting a family project. Students were able to work on their “I Have a Dream” hand. Their beautiful work was displayed as part of a colorful building-wide project that reflects the school community’s hopes as well as the collective dreams of the school’s students and staff. Students will also have the opportunity to discuss how meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Day is and share what their own dreams are for themselves, their family, the Valley Stream 24 school community and for the world.

Brooklyn Avenue School’s theme for the 2021-2022 school year is “We are many; we are one.” As the students continue to study the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., they are reminded that we are all different, unique, and special. To celebrate the legacy and teachings of Dr. King, the students in kindergarten through sixth grade at the Brooklyn Avenue School were asked to decorate a paper doll that they could work on with their families. The cut-out paper dolls will represent the students’  different cultures, traditions, and interests. The 115-year-old building’s main lobby will be adorned with the students’ dolls to celebrate their differences and to serve as symbols of peace and unity consistent with the teachings of Dr. King. 

(January 2021)—Valley Stream School District 24’s William L. Buck Elementary School has implemented a One Book, One School Initiative to encourage not only a love of reading but to unify the school around a common value or theme each month in the conversations and activities that follow. 

The initiative is designed to empower students as well as their families to have an important dialogue around a central theme. Each month, a committee comprised of Ms. Gaddy, Principal of William L. Buck Elementary School; Ms. Kerriane Pieper, WLB School Psychologist; Ms. Karen Mylan, WLB School Librarian; and reading teachers Mrs. Seiger and Mrs. Bernstein choose a book that is shared with the entire school community. Copies of the book are purchased for classrooms and staff members are able to sign up to read the book and record a video that can subsequently be viewed on the school’s website. Students and their families are encouraged to watch the video at home and continue the conversation that students began in their classrooms.

“This has been a meaningful and important initiative for our school. Ideals such as belonging, self-identity and kindness are all ideas that we should continue to discuss, celebrate and elevate in our school,” said Ms. Gaddy. “Picture books are such an easy and engaging way to start these important conversations. The discussions that have emerged in our classrooms and at home have been extremely worthwhile. Our Scholars are so excited when a new month starts as they know a new story is coming”.

Books chosen for inclusion in this program have a specific theme or message. For example, in September, the school read The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi. The book explores questions about difference, identity, and cultural assimilation. Students went home with paper jars and returned them to school with stories about their names and how their names might relate to their heritage and family background. In October, the students read All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold. After reading the book, students were asked to write and illustrate how they welcome new friends or family into their homes. For the month of November, the book chosen was Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson. The story describes how a small drop of kindness can have the biggest impact. For December, the students read The 3 Little Yogis and the Wolf Who Lost His Breath by Susan Verde. After reading the book, the students participated in yoga to put mindfulness into practice.

 (December 2021) Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights. This Jewish celebration is observed for eight nights and days, which this year began on the evening of Sunday,  November 28, and ended at sundown on the evening of Monday, December 6. In celebration of Hanukkah, each of the District’s schools developed activities designed to help students appreciate the meaning and importance of the holiday to those of the Jewish faith.

“It’s always a festive time around the holidays for our schools. It’s also a time that affords us the opportunity to educate students to all the different cultural celebrations that take place at this time of year,” said Dr. Don Sturz, Superintendent of Valley Stream 24 District. “Our District is dedicated to fostering inclusion and awareness of diversity by taking a culturally responsive approach. Including activities that increase our students’ understanding and appreciation of Hanukkah, which holds special significance to our Jewish neighbors and friends, is part of this commitment. We will continue to create opportunities to enhance our students’ multicultural awareness and appreciation of the value of diversity.”

One of the ways William L. Buck Elementary School celebrated Hanukkah was by lighting their digital menorah each day. The students also created sun catcher dreidels and hung them up on their classroom windows to witness their beautiful creations catch the light.

Brooklyn Avenue Elementary School read Arielle and the Hanukkah Surprise by Devra Newberger Speregen. Students made their own dreidels and received Hanukkah gelt.

In honor of Hanukkah, Robert W. Carbonaro students learned how to draw their own menorah and colored in a candle each day to light it. Students also read The Magic Dreidels by Eric A. Kimmel and created their own paper magic dreidels.

(November 2021)—Valley Stream District 24 schools celebrated Native American Heritage Month by incorporating lessons and activities that engaged students and shed light on the meaning and importance of Native American Heritage Month and the contributions Native Americans have made to our culture and history. 

All three VS24 schools created dream catchers in celebration of Native American Heritage Month. The students also read books including Grandfather’s Dream Catchers by Becky Ray McCain, We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorrell, and Totem Tale: A Tall Story From Alaska by Deb Vanasse.

“Our District prides itself on its diversity and our commitment to engaging and teaching our students about the different cultures that comprise the melting pot that is our country. Developing lesson plans and activities around Native American Heritage Month is consistent with that commitment,”  said Dr. Don Sturz, Superintendent of Valley Stream School District 24.

At William L. Buck Elementary School, students assembled for a virtual visit from author and cultural educator, Jim Bruchac. Bruchac, a citizen of the Nulhegan Abenaki Nation, shared traditional Native American legends that were passed down to him from his own father. The storyteller went on to share details of his experience growing up in the wilderness adjacent to the Adirondack foothills.

One of the ways students at Robert W. Carbonaro celebrated Native American Heritage Month was by learning about author Traci Sorell. The students watched a video interview with Ms. Sorell conducted by Rocco Staino from Storymakers. Ms. Sorell spoke about her experiences living in Oklahoma within the Cherokee Nation. She explained to the class the reason she wrote We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga was to feature current Native Americans and their way of life today. Her book talks about the Cherokee population, their culture and their struggles and celebrations in each of the four seasons.

Brooklyn Avenue Elementary School celebrated Native American Heritage Month by reading Totem Tale: A Tall Story From Alaska by Deb Vanasse. The students conducted their own research on tribes and constructed Native American artifacts with Ms. Calamiong, Brooklyn Avenue’s Library Media Specialist. 

(November 2021) – Valley Stream District 24 schools celebrated Diwali on Thursday, November 4 by incorporating lessons and activities that engaged students and illuminated the meaning and traditions of the holiday. 

“It was an awesome day for all three schools in the District. Diversity is the strength of our community, and celebrating different cultural holidays is integral to fostering an inclusive mindset in our students,” said Dr. Don Sturz, Superintendent of Valley Stream School District 24. 

In Brooklyn Avenue Elementary School, students celebrated Diwali through art and music. For example, the kindergarten students in Mrs. Walbrecht’s class had a great time learning the traditional folk dance, Lavani. The students also created their very own rangolis with colored pencils.

The second graders at Robert W. Carbonaro learned all about Diwali from their fellow classmate, Kimberly Goorsammy, She spoke about diyas and then the class created their very own paper lanterns in honor of the holiday. 

One of the ways Diwali was celebrated at William L. Buck Elementary School was by students creating PowerPoint slides touching upon different aspects of the holiday and making presentations to their classmates. Fifth-grade students also celebrated the holiday by reading stories about Diwali to the school’s kindergarten students. 

 (October 2021)—Unity Day was a huge success at Valley Stream School District 24. Unity Day, organized nationwide by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, is celebrated as a signature event for bullying prevention month. On this day, everyone is encouraged to wear orange to create a visual unity statement.

“Unity Day was a spectacular day in our District,” said Dr. Don Sturz, VS 24 Superintendent of Schools. “It was amazing to see everyone wear orange to visibly share a united message. I loved the responses of our students when asked what Unity Day meant to them and the awesome Unity Day-inspired illustrations they created at their schools.”

Students in all three schools in the District went to their playgrounds to draw positive pictures and affirming messages. They also did Unity Day activities in their classes. For example, in William L. Buck Elementary School, students shared in a schoolwide read aloud of Say Something by Peter Reynolds.

Robert W. Carbonaro students created colorful posters and booklets celebrating Unity Day to encourage others to be kind, loving, thoughtful, and friendly.

Brooklyn Avenue Students created a Unity Tree on the first floor of the school’s building where they added leaves explaining how they would individually spread the message of unity.

(October 2021)—Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana! Throughout the month of October, Valley Stream School District 24 celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month. Each of the schools in the District incorporated lessons and activities that illustrated for students the richness and scope of Hispanic heritage. 

“It was great to see all three schools in the District participate in Hispanic Heritage month,” said Dr. Don Sturz, Superintendent of Valley Stream School District 24. “It is important that we highlight and celebrate Hispanic culture and those Hispanic Americans that have contributed so much and made a mark on our country’s history.”

In Brooklyn Avenue Elementary School, students celebrated Hispanic heritage through art and literacy. For example, the third-grade students in Mrs. Biley’s class learned about a Mexican painter named Frida Kahlo. After reading Me, Frida by Amy Novesky, the class had a group discussion about her powerful message of staying true to oneself. Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits inspired the third-grade students to create their own, including a portrait of Frida that they made as a class.

One of the ways Hispanic Heritage month was celebrated at William L. Buck Elementary School was with a multicultural dance assembly. While the focus was mostly on Hispanic dance, the dancers of the Phyllis Rose Dance Company, who performed as part of the assembly,  demonstrated dances from a wide range of countries. The dancers taught the students about each country of origin before showcasing the dance. Throughout the assembly, there were interactive sessions in which the students were able to dance with Phyliss Rose Dance troupe members. 

At Robert W. Carbonaro, 6th grade students selected a variety of Hispanic historical figures such as Ellen Ochoa, engineer and former astronaut; Roberto Clemente, Hall of Fame baseball player; Celia Cruz, Cuban American singer; Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a former United States Representative from Florida; Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court; and Julia de Burgos, a Puerto Rican poet, to study. The students presented their historical figures and spoke about the importance of their contributions.

In looking at the totality of activities that took place during Hispanic Heritage month in all three of Valley Stream School District 24’s schools, it was evident that students came away from the month with a newfound appreciation and understanding of Hispanic culture, customs, and the importance Hispanic Americans have played in all aspects and sectors of American life.

(September 2021)—The Valley Stream District 24 officially welcomed its students back for the 2021-2022 school year on September 2nd. The day was filled with excitement as students streamed into all three of Valley Stream 24’s elementary schools for the start of a full time, in-school instruction year.

“The first day of school is always filled with anticipation and excitement for students and staff,” said Dr. Don Sturz, Superintendent of Valley Stream District 24. “Our staff, teachers, and administrators have done a tremendous job of preparing their respective schools to be safe and engaging environments to learn in. I have full confidence that we will have a successful school year.” 

Valley Stream 24 dedicated the first days of school to welcoming everyone back, establishing connections, and attending to physical and emotional wellness.  This was supported by school wide and classroom based activities in each building. 

At Brooklyn Avenue, the students excitedly entered the building – with masks on - and greeted their new classmates and teachers for the first time. The students played a game called “Welcome Back Mindfulness Fun!” Students were given a sheet with a spin wheel and dice. The students rolled the dice and matched the numbers and colors on their sheets. Principal Comis visited Mrs. Walbrecht’s class, where the students were doing a “Wellness Lesson” as they read “The Pigeon Has to Go to School!” Mrs. Walbrecht’s and Mrs. Sandoval’s classes shared their favorite part of starting Kindergarten. They also went on a tour of the school building and greeted Principal Comis along the way. 

At William L. Buck, the students enjoyed an ice breaker game outside with Principal Gaddy, who was sporting a mask that read, “This Principal loves her school.”  The game was called “Hi5 Circle” where students stood in a circle and one student would say a statement out loud. Any students that agreed with the statement would give themselves a high five. The students also received a health and hygiene lesson to remind them of the importance of washing hands.

At Robert W. Carbonaro, the morning was dedicated to greeting students as they arrived at the school. Once all students had entered the building and had found their way to their respective classrooms, Principal Iacono visited each class to welcome the students and to talk to them about personal responsibility. Nurse Dempsey visited the primary grades to talk about the 3Ws which are: wear your mask, watch your distance and wash your hands. She also spoke about the excitement of making new friends.  Robert W. Carbonaro’s theme of the day was “Getting to Know You” which was mentioned in the morning announcements. The quote of the day was “Be the one who makes others feel included.” The students were each provided with inspiration stickers to end their first day of school.icles, long mission statements, company policies, executive profiles, company awards/distinctions, office locations, shareholder reports, whitepapers, media mentions and other pieces of content that don’t fit into a shorter, more succinct space.

(August 2021) -  Our Kids Place, Valley Stream District 24’s educational partner in offering the state-funded Universal Pre-K program to district children four years old by December 1, 2021, held an orientation and open house for incoming Valley Stream 24 Pre-K students and their families at the school’s Hewlett location. Forty-four Valley Stream 24 children were registered during the registration period, eliminating the need for a lottery. Our Kids Place offered both in-person and virtual orientations. The in-person orientation and open house was held on Tuesday, August 10 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM and the virtual orientation was conducted on Thursday, August 12 from 5:00PM to 6:00PM. During the orientation, Our Kids Place staff answered questions from families about the Pre-K program and went over school policies and procedures to help both the children and their families be ready for the start of the school year. 

“It was my absolute pleasure to visit with the Our Kids Place staff and students,” said Dr. Don Sturz, Superintendent of Valley Stream District 24. “It is clear that the staff at Our Kids Place are professional in everything they do and that they truly care about our students. This is going to be an exciting and engaging year for these youngsters, one that will be fun, instructive and foster creativity and a love of exploration and learning, requisites for success in school and in life.”

The Pre-K program for Valley Stream 24 children, which will take place at Our Kids Place Hewlett school, uses as its guiding principles the 4 F’s:  Fundamental, Fantastic, Fun and Fabulous. The curriculum covers subjects in mathematics, science, social studies, reading, phonics, and life skills. The lesson plans are created to inspire and to maintain the students’ attention. Students also have the opportunity to participate in other activities such as ballet, piano, soccer and karate classes. The Our Kids Place program is accredited by the National Association for the Education for Young Children (NAEYC). 

“Partnering with Valley Stream 24 to begin the education of the District’s youngest students makes this year very exciting for all of us here at Our Kids Place. We are ready for a safe year, full of learning,” said Lorraine Peters, the director of the Our Kids Place program. “The Universal Pre-K program we have developed in collaboration with Dr. Sturz and the extraordinary educators of Valley Stream 24 is designed to create an environment that is conducive to healthy learning for all students. Our goal is to engage students using a curriculum that is balanced and rigorous. Our goal is to ensure that the young Valley Stream 24 students we have been entrusted with complete this year with the foundational skills that will help them become independent thinkers, problem-solvers, and seekers of knowledge.”  

In addition, the District, through the state grant funds, is providing support, equipment, supplies and materials for the program.