The district’s June board of education meeting was an evening of celebration and appreciation, honoring staff members for receiving tenure, recognizing retirees and highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of students.
“This is always one of the most meaningful board meetings of the year, as we have the opportunity to recognize those who make our district such a special place,” Superintendent Dr. Jared Bloom said.
The recognitions began with celebrating the recent accomplishments of the board of education. Trustee Anna McCombs has earned both the New York State School Boards Association Level 2 Board Excellence Award and Level 3 Board Mastery Award. Through earning the Level 3 distinction, she also qualifies for recognition in N-SSBA’S On Board newsletter. In addition, she was recently appointed to the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association’s Executive Committee for a three-year term. Trustee Domenico Ciaccio has earned the New York State School Boards Association Level 2 Board Excellence Award, as well. Vice President William Leder, who is concluding his service on the board, was honored for his years of service to the district.
“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with and for Mr. Leder,” Dr. Bloom said. “He has been a thoughtful leader, a trusting sounding board and a strong advocate for our schools. Whether discussing district initiatives, navigating challenges or celebrating successes, he has consistently approached the work with integrity, humility and a genuine commitment to Franklin Square. It has truly been an absolute pleasure working with Mr. Leder and our district is stronger because of his years of service and dedication.”
Mr. Leder received a proclamation from Senator Siela Bynoe and citation from Assemblyman Ed Ra, as well as a New York State Schools Boards Association Board Lifetime Achievement Award.
The district proudly recognized the fifth grade students who participated in the KidOYO Hackathon, where they demonstrated creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Guided by coaches Julia Caiazzo and Matthew Dornemann, the students competed against 26 teams from across Long Island and earned third place in the logo competition. Their achievement was especially noteworthy, as this marked the district’s first year participating in the event.
Continuing the celebration of student innovation and achievement, the district’s sixth grade robotics team recently competed at the STEP Statewide Robotics Competition. The 14 students embraced the “4 Cs” of robotics: construction, coding, computer-aided design and collaboration. This year, the Franklin Square team took home two awards. The Electro Jaguars earned the Presentation Award and the Techno Tigers captured third place overall. At the board meeting, students were joined by district coaches Julia Caiazzo, Matthew Dornemann, Karen Perlak and Maggie Tittler and student coaches from H. Frank Carey High School.
The board also recognized the sixth grade members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their educational journey. Comprised of student leaders from each of the three school buildings, the council meets regularly with Dr. Bloom to provide valuable feedback, share ideas and offer a student perspective on district initiatives and school experiences.
Student accomplishments in the arts were also celebrated. For the first time in school history, the Washington Street School’s talented Jazz Band took center stage at the prestigious Long Island Music Festival at Suffolk County Community College. Under the direction of Band Director Jason O’Connor, the 57-member ensemble proudly represented Franklin Square among elementary, middle and high school music groups from across Long Island. The Jazz Band earned a Superior Rating, the festival’s highest level of achievement, receiving outstanding scores of 94 out of 100 and 97 out of 100 from the two adjudicators.
Concluding the evening’s student recognitions, Polk Street School student Ayden Parris was honored for his selection to the Amateur Athletic Union National Diving Team. He will compete at the national diving championships in Fort Lauderdale this July, representing both his school and community on a national stage.
Attention turned to thanking this year’s retirees for their service to the district. Congratulations to Director of Pupil Personnel Services Dr. Pamela Taylor, Ellen Andreo, William Benckwit, Mary Jo Carnazza, Darryl Chappel, Jeanmarie Derby, Evelyn Ferguson, Catherine Ferrara, Jovanna Fleischhauer, Philip Fusco, Carolyn Hardman, Janine Harrigan, Meredith McCarthy, Michele Miles and Carolyn Miene.
From celebrating those concluding their careers to recognizing those embarking on a new professional journey, the district also honored three educators who received tenure. Each recipient was introduced by their building principal, who offered heartfelt remarks and congratulations. The tenure recipients are John Street School music teacher Alexa Gottesman, Polk Street School first and second grade special education teacher Heidi Gomez and Washington Street School pre-K teacher Alexandra Balzano.
