Valley Stream 24 School District Holds Ribbon Cutting for Our Kids Place at Grace Methodist

The Valley Stream 24 School District recently joined community leaders, educators and families for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of Our Kids Place in Valley Stream at Grace Methodist. The new center will serve students enrolled in Pre-K programs within the Valley Stream 24 School District.

The celebration brought together local legislators, members of the Valley Stream 24 Board of Education, and representatives of Our Kids Place to mark the center’s arrival in the Valley Stream community. Board Vice President Aisha Darby was among those in attendance, joining district and community leaders in recognizing the importance of providing high-quality early childhood education and care for local families.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Our Kids Place as they establish their presence in Valley Stream and expand opportunities for our youngest learners,” said Valley Stream 24 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas. “The move from Hewlett to Valley Stream has also helped increase enrollment in our Universal Pre-K program, making this important opportunity more accessible to families within our community. We are grateful to our legislators for their continued support and advocacy for Universal Pre-K, which helps make these opportunities possible for our youngest learners. We are excited to offer UPK through our community partner, Our Kids Place, and look forward to continuing our work together to provide our children with a strong and positive foundation as they begin their educational journeys.”

Our Kids Place is led by Owner and Director Mrs. Peters, who operates the program alongside Leslie Peters Brown, M.S. Ed., Senior Educational Director, and Lorraine Peters McMillan, MBA, Operations Director. Together, the leadership team brings a strong focus on creating a nurturing and engaging environment for young learners.

The opening of Our Kids Place in Valley Stream represents a meaningful partnership between Valley Stream 24 and the broader Valley Stream community. The district remains committed to supporting innovative educational opportunities and building strong relationships with community organizations that contribute to the success and well-being of students and families.

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 Welcomes Students Back on the First Day of Classes

Students across all three schools in the Valley Stream 24 School District returned to classes on Wednesday, September 3, bringing excitement and energy to the start of the 2026-2027 school year. The halls of Brooklyn Avenue Elementary School, Robert W. Carbonaro Elementary School and William L. Buck Elementary School were filled with smiles and enthusiasm as teachers and staff welcomed students back and set a positive tone for the year ahead.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas visited classrooms throughout the district to greet students and staff alongside Dr. Christopher Keogh, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and the district’s building principals. To help ensure a smooth and welcoming first day, faculty and staff engaged students in conversations about their summer experiences and their hopes for the new school year, helping them feel connected, comfortable and ready to learn. Educators also began incorporating strategies highlighted during Superintendent’s Conference Day, engaging students through immersive learning experiences, movement-based activities and hands-on instruction designed to activate multiple forms of sensory input and deepen student engagement.

“Every new school year brings a renewed sense of possibility, and it was wonderful to see our schools filled with such enthusiasm on the first day,” said Dr. Karakas. “Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to creating learning environments where every child feels valued, supported and inspired to reach their full potential. As we continue advancing our Vision 2030 goals, we look forward to another year of innovation, collaboration and meaningful growth across our district.”

The 2026-2027 school year marks another important step in Valley Stream 24’s Vision 2030 journey, with a continued focus on creating innovative, nurturing and engaging learning environments that prepare students for future success. The Board of Education’s investment in district initiatives provides a strong foundation for expanding meaningful opportunities and experiences that enrich teaching and learning across the district.

As the new school year gets underway, Valley Stream 24 remains committed to fostering innovation, connection and excellence in education. With dedicated educators, engaged families and a strong school community, the district looks forward to a successful year of learning, growth and new opportunities for every student.

Valley Stream 24 School District Welcomes School Year with Inspiring Superintendent’s Conference Day

The Valley Stream 24 School District recently held an inspiring and informative Superintendent’s Conference Day designed to educate, motivate and prepare faculty and staff for the 2026-2027 school year.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas opened the day by delivering a powerful message about the lasting impact educators and school staff can have on students, particularly during their formative years. His remarks emphasized the important role every member of the school district community plays in helping students feel supported, confident and prepared to succeed. Another emphasis of the program was the importance of engaging students through activities that utilize the six kinds of sensory input, including immersive learning experiences, movement-based activities and hands-on instruction.

“Our work in education extends far beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Karakas. “Every interaction we have with a student has the potential to make a lasting difference. As we begin a new school year, I am incredibly proud of our staff and excited about the opportunities ahead. Together, we will continue building a school district where every student feels seen, supported and empowered to reach their full potential.”

Dr. Karakas also highlighted the continued progress of the district’s Vision 2030 initiative, along with several new programs and enhancements being introduced during the 2026-2027 school year. New features this year include three newly redesigned classrooms being completed this month, a second 8:1:3 inclusive classroom at Robert W. Carbonaro School, a K-2 ELA pilot program, Orton-Gillingham training for reading specialists, a new 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, the second year of the Drama Club, and third-grade chess as part of the district’s Enrichment for All initiative.

Joining faculty, staff and administrators for the opening of the new school year was Board of Education President Annette Matthew, who attended on behalf of the Board of Education and helped welcome staff back for the year ahead.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Robert Peters, Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at the Successful Practices Network (SPN). Dr. Peters discussed future-focused education in the age of AI and encouraged educators to cultivate a culture of deep belonging, emphasizing that when students feel safe, seen and valued, they are more likely to engage meaningfully in their learning.

The district officially welcomed students back to classes on Wednesday, September 3, kicking off an exciting year ahead.

Valley Stream 24 Welcomes Seven New Educators for 2026-2027 School Year at New Teacher Orientation

The Valley Stream 24 School District recently welcomed its newest educators during New Teacher Orientation in preparation for the 2026-2027 school year.

The orientation provided new faculty members with an opportunity to learn more about Valley Stream 24, prepare for instructional best practices, connect with district and building leaders, and prepare for a successful start to the school year. Throughout the program, educators participated in a series of discussions, activities and professional learning experiences designed to familiarize them with the district’s vision, instructional priorities, resources and supports.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas shared the district’s vision and expectations for the year ahead, while building principals introduced their school communities and discussed building-level priorities and expectations. Director of Pupil Personnel Services John Boniello provided an overview of special education programs and student supports, and Director of Technology Mark Onorato introduced educators to district technology and instructional software.

Central Office secretarial staff also provided important information regarding business operations, human resources procedures and processes. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Christopher Keogh helped facilitate the orientation and supported educators throughout the program.

“We are thrilled to welcome our newest educators to the Valley Stream 24 family,” said Dr. Karakas. “Each brings unique experiences, perspectives and talents that will strengthen our district community and enrich the educational experiences we provide for our students. As they begin this new chapter, we look forward to supporting their growth, celebrating their successes and working together to make meaningful connections with every student we serve.”

Valley Stream 24 is proud to welcome this talented group of educators and looks forward to the contributions they will make in their classrooms, schools and throughout the district as they become part of the Valley Stream 24 community.

Valley Stream 24 Administrative Retreat Prepares District Leaders for the Year Ahead

Valley Stream 24 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas recently led the district’s administrative team in a retreat focused on strategic planning, collaboration and preparation for a successful 2026-2027 school year.

During the retreat, district and building administrators collaboratively reviewed district goals, analyzed student achievement data, established priorities and developed action plans aligned with the needs of Valley Stream 24 students and schools. The team also reflected on the district’s progress, celebrated areas of success and identified opportunities for continued growth as Valley Stream 24 advances its Vision 2030 goals.

“We are excited to begin the new school year with a strong sense of purpose and a shared commitment to our students and families,” said Dr. Karakas. “This retreat gave our administrative team dedicated time to examine our progress, analyze our data and translate our goals into meaningful actions for the year ahead. We are proud of the progress our district continues to make, and we remain focused on building upon that momentum to provide every student with engaging, innovative and meaningful learning experiences.”

Throughout the retreat, members of the district leadership team also facilitated important areas of discussion. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Christopher Keogh, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Business Victoria Galante and Director of Pupil Personnel Services John Boniello joined Dr. Karakas in leading conversations and planning around key instructional, operational and student-support priorities for the upcoming school year.

With district leadership aligned around a shared vision, clear priorities and actionable goals, the Valley Stream 24 administrative team looks forward to the 2026-2027 school year with enthusiasm, collaboration and a continued commitment to excellence.

Valley Stream 24 Board of Education Approves Five-Year Contract for Superintendent Dr. Unal Karakas

At its August 19, 2026 meeting, the Valley Stream Union Free School District 24 Board of Education approved a new five-year contract for Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas, providing continued leadership as the district builds on its progress and advances the next phase of its Vision 2030 initiative.

Dr. Karakas began his tenure as superintendent in 2023 and has since led a districtwide focus on student achievement, innovation, school culture, and the modernization of learning environments. Under his leadership, Valley Stream 24 has expanded innovative instructional opportunities for students, strengthened academic support systems, and invested significantly in the environments where students learn. The district also made significant progress in its Vision 2030 initiative, which focuses on integrating 21st-century learning and technology into teaching and learning to enhance authentic student engagement and agency.

Among the district’s major accomplishments has been the completion of air conditioning installations across all three elementary schools, ensuring that every classroom is air conditioned for the 2026-27 school year. The district has also continued to modernize classrooms through Vision 2030, expand enrichment and world language opportunities, introduce new instructional models, and strengthen its use of data and differentiated support to meet the needs of every learner.

Valley Stream 24 has also received recognition beyond the district for its innovative work, including its participation in the League of Innovative Schools. The district is one of only 175 districts nationally to be a part of this prestigious league since 2024.

“I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the energy, commitment, and heart that Dr. Karakas brings to Valley Stream 24,” said Board of Education President Annette Matthew as she expressed her confidence in Dr. Karakas and the direction of the district.

“He sets ambitious goals for our district and has consistently worked to meet and exceed them while always keeping our children, staff, and families at the center of the work,” she continued. “I am grateful for his leadership and proud of the progress we have made. Dr. Karakas is an asset to our school district and our community, and I look forward to what we will continue to accomplish together.”

Dr. Karakas said the five-year agreement provides an opportunity to build upon the district’s momentum while continuing to invest in its students, educators, staff, and community.

“It is an incredible privilege to serve as Superintendent of Valley Stream 24, and I am excited about what the next five years hold for our district,” he said. “I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together, but I believe our best work is still ahead of us. Vision 2030 is ultimately about creating schools where children are excited to learn, educators are empowered to innovate, and every student has access to the opportunities and support needed to thrive. I look forward to continuing this work alongside the Board of Education, our outstanding educators and staff, our families, and the entire Valley Stream 24 community.”

With continued investments in innovative teaching and learning, modern learning environments, student achievement, and a strong district culture, Valley Stream 24 remains committed to innovation, excellence, and “Making the Connection: Innovating Our Future.”

Valley Stream 24 School District’s Newest Board of Education Members are Honored at SCOPE Dinner

The newest members of the Valley Stream 24 School District Board of Education were honored at SCOPE’s 41st Annual Dinner Meeting for Superintendents and School Board Members, held August 11 at Bourne Mansion.

The annual event brought together superintendents, school board members and educational leaders from across Long Island to celebrate the dedication and leadership of newly elected and appointed school district officials.

Representing Valley Stream 24, Board Vice President Aisha Darby, Trustee Thomas Dowling and Trustee Salman Quader were formally recognized alongside fellow new trustees from school districts throughout the region.

The evening also featured the participation of distinguished educational leaders, including New York State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa and Long Island Board of Regents Representative Felicia Thomas-Williams.

“We were so pleased to celebrate this special recognition together!” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas. “Congratulations again to our newest trustees, and thank you to SCOPE for a wonderful evening celebrating educational leadership across Long Island!”

The district congratulates Vice President Darby, Trustee Dowling and Trustee Quader on this well-deserved recognition and thanks SCOPE for bringing together educational leaders from across Long Island to honor their service and commitment to students and school communities.

Brooklyn Avenue School Families Enjoy Third Annual PTA Family Fun Day at Citi Field

Students at Brooklyn Avenue School in the Valley Stream 24 School District recently enjoyed the third annual Family Fun Day at Citi Field, hosted by the Brooklyn Avenue School Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The event brought together about 150 students and their families for an afternoon of baseball, community, and family fun as the New York Mets took on the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Valley Stream 24 School District extends its sincere appreciation to the New York Mets for their generous donation, which made the event possible for the third consecutive year. The district is grateful for the organization's continued support in providing meaningful experiences for students and their families.

Although the Mets came up short on the scoreboard, the day was a winning experience for Brooklyn Avenue School families who had the opportunity to create lasting memories together while cheering on their hometown team.

"We are incredibly thankful to the Brooklyn Avenue School PTA for organizing this wonderful tradition and to the New York Mets for their generosity and continued partnership,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas. "Opportunities like Family Fun Day help strengthen the connections between our schools, our families, and our community.”

The annual Family Fun Day has become a beloved tradition at Brooklyn Avenue School, bringing families together outside the classroom and celebrating the strong sense of community that defines the Valley Stream 24 School District.

Valley Stream 24 Celebrates its 2026 Graduating Class

Valley Stream Union Free School District 24 proudly celebrated the achievements of its 2026 graduating classes during commencement ceremonies for students from William L. Buck School, Brooklyn Avenue School and Robert W. Carbonaro School.

Hosted in the William L. Buck School auditorium, each ceremony marked an important milestone as students concluded their elementary school experience and prepared to begin the next chapter of their educational journey. Graduates were recognized for their hard work, perseverance and personal growth throughout their years in the district as they proudly crossed the stage to receive their diplomas.

Surrounded by proud families, friends and educators, students were celebrated for their academic accomplishments, character and the many contributions they made to their school communities. The ceremonies were filled with smiles, applause and memorable moments as loved ones gathered to commemorate this special occasion.

"Our graduates have grown into confident, compassionate and capable leaders who are ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas. "We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished during their time in Valley Stream 24, and we thank our dedicated teachers, staff and families for the unwavering support that helped make this milestone possible. We wish our students continued success as they begin this exciting new chapter."

Members of the Board of Education, the Superintendent of Schools, building principals, district administrators, teachers, staff and families joined together to celebrate the graduates' accomplishments and offer their encouragement as the Class of 2026 looks ahead to middle school and beyond.