Valley Stream 24 Superintendent of Schools

Dear Valley Stream 24 Families,

I am excited to welcome you back to Valley Stream School District 24 for the 2024-25 school year. The first day of school is September 3, 2024. This year, we are proud to expand our Spanish program to grades 3-6 and our Challenge program to grades 4-6, while continuing to provide enriching opportunities for all students through our Enrichment for All initiative. We are also excited to welcome a talented group of new staff members who will be joining our district team. Additionally, our Board of Education and administrative team have worked diligently this summer on Vision 2030, our future-focused vision aimed at preparing our students for the demands of the 21st century. As part of Vision 2030, we’ve redesigned three classrooms this summer, one in each school, to create innovative learning environments. These cutting-edge spaces were developed with staff input and will serve as a model for future classroom redesigns in the years to come. 

A special thank you goes to our custodial and facilities staff, who have done an incredible job preparing our schools for the new year.  They have worked to ensure that our classrooms and hallways are clean and ready for learning on the first day of school. Additionally, some of our classroom windows that needed new window glasses have all received them.  Our teachers and staff are very excited and prepared to welcome students back and continue fostering strong connections, supporting academic excellence, celebrating our district's rich diversity, and engaging in innovative teaching and learning practices. We are all excited to welcome your children back and look forward to a wonderful year of learning and discovery together! Let’s continue to make the connection—with one another, with our students, and with the future—ensuring that every child thrives in a supportive and inspiring community. Together, we will continue to achieve greatness for our students! 

Sincerely,  

Dr. Unal Karakas 

Superintendent of Schools