The East Meadow Board of Education recognized district administrators, their staff and retiring staff members at their meeting on June 16.

First, each building principal, along with Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics Kristi Detor, was introduced by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Card. Then, Board of Education President Mr. Matthew Melnick and Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Administration Mr. Anthony Russo commended the administrators on their steadfast devotion to their students and staff during this past year.  

“Truthfully, the world threw a pandemic at you and you didn’t flinch,” Mr. Melnick said. “In fact, you took every regulation, rule and guidance with grace and did incredible things to offer the best possible education to our students this year.”

Additionally, administrators Parkway Elementary School Principal Jamie Mack and Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services Patrice Dobies were honored for their years of committed and excellent work for the district. Both outstanding administrators will be retiring at the end of the year. 

“Thank you both, for the times when the most difficult of situations were solved because of your expertise and depth of understanding,” Dr. Card said. “Thank you for caring, for always being there and most of all, thank you both for just being you.”

Woodland and W.T. Clarke middle schools in the East Meadow School District held moving up ceremonies to celebrate graduating eighth grade students on June 23.

Woodland Middle School held multiple ceremonies for the eighth grade class in the school’s auditorium. Principal James Lethbridge spoke at each, offering advice and well wishes to the soon-to-be-high school students. Later that evening, W.T. Clarke Principal Stacey Breslin welcomed students, families, teachers, building administrators, Board President Matthew Menick and central administration to the W.T. Clarke Middle School moving up ceremony that was held on the field at the Leon J. Campo Salisbury Center. Both ceremonies included musical numbers and awards for exceptional students.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth A. Card Jr. delivered remarks at each celebration, commending the students and their loved ones in attendance for persevering during one of the most trying years in education.

“Your graduation from middle school represents a significant milestone in your life,” Dr. Card said. “No pandemic or the challenges associated with it, will take away what you have accomplished and will accomplish in the future.”

The district looks forward to continuing to watch the journeys of these students and wishes them luck and success in their high school careers.   

Two Woodland Middle School robotics teams recently competed in the Long Island Lego Robotics Competition hosted by Adelphi University. The teams were required to construct and code their own unique design to complete this year's challenge. Additionally, the students completed a driver-controlled portion of the course and developed a presentation on their project.

This year's event was hosted virtually, which created a number of unique challenges for the students. The two teams were able to persevere and accomplish many great things through this year's competition.  

One team, comprised of Woodland students Andrew Dungca, Christopher Verdi, Connor McKevitt, Logan Capozzoli and Liam York, placed first overall in both the challenge and the presentation, making them the champions of the competition. A near perfect score on their presentation helped to cap off what was an amazing run for this team who have been competing together since 6th grade. The team's 70 points in the challenge was the most scored by any team in the competition.

Additionally, the other Woodland team inlcuding Aidan Lehmann, Eva Kyriakidis, Kammie Capozzoli, Elizabeth Serra and Sarah Chavez-Olaya brought home the Judges Award for a superb presentation and a great run of the course. They scored 58 points in the challenge, which allowed them to finish in the top bracket. Their presentation was extremely strong and successful for them as well, scoring them a total of 96 points.

The hard work and dedication of both teams shined this year with both teams being so successful. The competition’s judges when they had discussed the importance of how organized and neat Woodland’s video was for the virtual scoring of their course runs. History was made here at Woodland this year bringing home two trophies and the first-place finish!

The East Meadow School District was once again able to commend their student artists in person at their districtwide art show at the Leon J. Campo Salisbury Center on June 1 and 2. Students, families and community members were invited to visit the show during specified times, allowing for a safe and enjoyable viewing.

“While viewing artwork in a virtual capacity is certainly wonderful, nothing compares to experiencing original works of art in person,” Art Department Chairperson Heather Anastasio said. “We are thrilled to be able to bring this experience to our student artists and their families.”

Art teachers from throughout the district were also in attendance to celebrate the work of their students. Each teacher chose 13 works of art from their classes, including those who were included in this year’s virtual All-County Art Exhibit but were unable to have their work displayed in person. The evening was also a welcome return for the community, which has always greatly supported the district’s art program.

“I would like to thank the East Meadow community for the continued celebration and support of our program,” Director of Music and Art Kelly Gelfer said. “The district’s commitment to the arts continues to be our biggest strength.”