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Seaford principals outline expanded co‑teaching, math and reading initiatives; device take‑home plan for fifth graders
Summary
Principals from Seaford Union Free School District presented curriculum and program updates to the Board of Education, highlighting a full‑time ICT co‑teaching model, Illustrative Math rollout, science‑of‑reading phonics work, measurable declines in lateness and office referrals, and a planned fifth‑grade device take‑home program.
Principals and building leaders at a Seaford Union Free School District Board of Education meeting reviewed school‑by‑school curriculum changes and student supports that district leaders say are already producing measurable results.
The presentations emphasized expanded inclusive practices, new instructional materials and technology plans. "With two certified teachers in the classroom, instruction becomes more flexible and responsive," an elementary curriculum leader said, describing the district's full‑time ICT co‑teaching model intended to integrate special‑education supports into general education.
Why it matters: District leaders said the changes aim to deliver more equitable access to instruction and reduce referrals out of the classroom. Assistant/administrator Joseph Lee reported several discipline and attendance metrics the district links to recent policy changes: classroom lateness is down 48%, students sent to the office have dropped 92%, and suspensions are down 30%.
What the schools told the board: Elementary presenters described a continued rollout of Illustrative Math and a renewed focus on the science of reading. "We're building that phonemic awareness and phonics," an elementary leader said, noting the district purchased decodable books for K–2 and has embedded vocabulary and comprehension work in grades 3–5.
Harvard School principal Jennifer Pasilka highlighted experiential learning and community partnerships; she raised a recent 'beyond the badge' presentation with the Nassau County police and described a fifth‑grade Commerce Plaza trip that simulates workforce roles.
At the Harbor and Manor schools, leaders described growing STEAM and innovation programming. "Both elementary schools offer biweekly coding lessons and STEAM clubs," assistant principal Tara Savage said, and she told the board the district is "planning for our fifth graders to begin taking home their devices each day" with family meetings on expectations planned to start next month.
High school principal Nicole Schnabel framed the high school theme as "All In," summarizing available opportunities including broadcasting and journalism dual‑enrollment, EMT and electrical training center programs, 22 AP courses and expanded vocational pathways. Schnabel said the high school also requires a universal student wellness survey to guide supports and that more students are participating in advanced coursework compared with nearby districts.
Student voice and recognition were recurring themes: the Seaford Scholar recognition system (keychains, secret‑scholar nominations and monthly lessons) is being used across buildings to reinforce character traits and leadership.
What’s next: Presentations will be posted on the district website under the board tab, and administrators said they will continue the Math and ELA rollouts, finalize the fifth‑grade device plan logistics, and use DataWise and student success committees to monitor outcomes.
