Elementary principal spotlights PTA programs, kindergarten playdate and free family events
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Summary
Kanet Elementary principal highlighted the PTA's role in transition supports, free family events (spooky walk, pumpkin patch, reading nights), community donations and volunteer leaders, stressing the PTA's contribution to student experience and staff support.
At the Jan. 8 meeting of the East Islip Union Free School District Board of Education, Kanet Elementary School Principal Mr. Bilotti highlighted the work of the school's PTA, describing programs designed to support student transitions and family engagement.
Bilotti reviewed a series of PTA initiatives: a kindergarten playdate run before school starts that assigns children to color-coded groups so they meet classmates and teachers; a large "spooky walk" and pumpkin patch that gives students access to free seasonal activities and teaches about cultural celebrations; free family events such as a winter dance and magic shows with snacks; reading nights; and staff appreciation gestures including seasonal plantings and a donated bench the principal called the "Balani Bench." He said these activities help build student camaraderie and provide access to experiences some families might not otherwise be able to afford. "I can't tell you the amount of time that our PTA spends days transforming our community room," Bilotti said, praising volunteers and naming several senior PTA officers.
Bilotti credited the PTA with helping students and families with transitions, supporting staff and contributing items such as a bench and plantings. He also thanked volunteer leaders by name as they were present at the meeting. The board thanked Bilotti and the PTAs across the district for their work.
Separately, the board recognized a group of high-school art students whose works will be displayed in the district office and congratulated the varsity football team for winning a Suffolk County championship.
