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Valley Stream 24 superintendent spotlights student programs, honors staff for life-saving response
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Caracas told the board the districts redesigned classrooms, student achievements and community events have bolstered engagement; two staff members were honored for performing a Heimlich maneuver that saved a student.
The Valley Stream 24 Union Free School District board reconvened its public meeting and heard a wide-ranging superintendents report that highlighted student achievement, classroom innovation and staff heroism.
Dr. Caracas, the district superintendent, opened by praising recent student successes, including school-level Scripps spelling bees and four students selected for the All County Music Festival: Jack Ramirez, Alex Gobin, Daniela Aiello and Sofia Alvarez. She also described a district walk-through aligned with the districts Vision 2030 that showcased redesigned learning spaces and noted ongoing facility priorities, including ADA compliance and renovation needs at Brooklyn Avenue School.
The superintendent described several community and in-school activities that officials said are strengthening student engagement. She said Paralympian Rohan Murphy visited Valley Stream 24 schools to share a message about perseverance and goal setting, and that student councils at William L. Buck discussed the role of artificial intelligence in learning, emphasizing "fact checking and responsible use" and that AI should not replace studentsown work.
The board showcased a Brooklyn Avenue School presentation on a 20/30 redesigned classroom model that includes whiteboard desks, touchscreens, flexible seating and movement-based learning. Four sixth-grade students who participated in the demonstration described the classrooms impact. One student said, "The 20 30 classroom makes me feel more confident in my learning." The classroom unit included an entrepreneurship-based project integrating mathematics, problem solving and collaboration, the presenters said.
Dr. Caracas also announced community calendar items and family events, including a sixth-grade Ashokan trip Zoom meeting, a parent technology academy, a superintendent coffee hour, the boards Feb. 11 work session and winter recess dates. She noted the New York State School Boards Association selected third-grader Callie Chances artwork for its holiday card; Callie received a certificate at the meeting.
The superintendent closed by recognizing two staff members for acting quickly during a choking incident at William L. Buck School: Jonathan Melendez and Charles Brocher were invited forward and presented certificates for performing the Heimlich maneuver and ensuring the students safety.
The superintendent's report concluded with thanks to staff, PTA volunteers and visiting legislators; refreshments were offered after the presentation.
The board later moved through routine agenda items and returned to executive session, as noted in the meeting record.
