The district honored the memory and service of Detective Jonathan Diller, a former John Street School alumnus, with a bench dedication ceremony on Aug. 27. The bench was donated by the John Street School PTA.

The ceremony opened with the National Anthem, sung by NYPD Officer Murray. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jared Bloom then addressed the crowd, speaking about how Detective Diller exemplified the spirit of service that defines the Franklin Square community.

“His legacy reminds our students of the valor and selflessness that profoundly impacts so many lives in this spirit of service that our school district strives to instill in all of our students,” Dr. Bloom said.

Franklin Square Board of Education President Stephen Toto then spoke at the podium. “Detective Diller was not only a dedicated public servant, but also a cherished alumnus of our school. His unwavering commitment to protecting others and his selfless service embodied the values of ‘we can, we will’,” Mr. Toto said, citing the district’s motto of “We Can, We Will, We Do.”

Following, John Street School Principal Thomas Riccobono spoke about the former John Street student, saying, “Detective Diller was more than just a name in our school’s history. He was a shining example of the values we hold here: integrity, bravery and a deep commitment to serving others.”

Detective Diller’s mother and sister, along with Principal Riccobono and Assistant Prinicpal Jung Lee, cut the ribbon to unveil the memorial bench.

In attendance at the ceremony were NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, NYPD Transit, NYPD Health and Wellness, NYPD Queens South CRT, NCPD Highway Unit, NCPD Motorcycle Unit, NCPD Mounted Unit, NCPD Highway Unit, NCPD POP Unit, NCPD Patrol Units, and local fire and EMT departments. Town of Hempstead Clerk Kate Murray, Town of Hempstead Councilman Thomas Muscarella, Town of Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Jeanne Driscoll, Congressman Anthony D’Esposito and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages were also in attendance.

Click here to view the District Dedicates Memorial Bench to NYPD Detective Diller slideshow.

Date Added: 8/28/2024

On Aug. 1, the district hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at John Street School to officially unveil the new Talk to Me communication boards, donated by the H. Frank Carey High School Dad’s Club. The communication boards are utilized by the building’s non-verbal students (as well as any student requiring the addition support in communication), the aides and teachers in the Intensive Support Program.          

One of the boards was installed outside by the playground, with images and phrases in both English and Spanish. Among the 76 cues, included are “hello,” “more,” “all done,” “play,” “excited,” “my turn,” and “climb.” There are also numbers and the alphabet. The indoor communication board, which is used in the building’s Daily Living Skills Center, also has the alphabet and numbers 0-9.

Director of Pupil Personnel Services Dr. Pamela Taylor, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jared Bloom, Board of Education President Stephen Toto and Principal Thomas Riccobono each spoke on the new boards, thanking the Dad’s Club for the donation and the custodians for installing the outdoor board. 

The ribbon was cut with the assistance of two students, who were joined by the administrators, members of the Board of Education and representatives of Carey Dad’s Club. The students also served iced tea, lemonade and snacks at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Date Added: 8/5/2024

John Street School students have been enjoying Summer Rec!

Date Added: 7/30/2024