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Superintendent De Tomaso previews school-year programs, facilities and safety upgrades; notes state cellphone ban and free meals
Summary
Superintendent G. De Tomaso told the board the district's summer 'boost' program ran with teacher-led instruction, staff will receive project-based learning training after the November conference day, facility projects (boiler, hall refresh, cupola restoration) and lighting/insulation upgrades are nearly complete, and security coverage with Altaras increases to three days weekly. He also noted New York State's cellphone restrictions and that breakfast and lunch are free this year.
Superintendent G. De Tomaso told the East Rockaway Board of Education on Aug. 19 that the district's summer 'boost' program ran with teachers from across the district and aims to reduce summer learning loss ahead of the new school year.
"We're looking forward to seeing how well the kids start off in September," De Tomaso said, and he urged parents to watch for information on future programs. He said staff will receive project-based learning training following the November superintendent conference day, including the PBLWorks 'gold standard' training for teachers and staff.
On facilities, De Tomaso said the new boiler at Rheem Avenue is nearly ready, lockers and hallways at the junior–senior high school have been refreshed and painted, and survey work to restore the cupola has begun; he estimated restoration would take a couple of months. He reported that lighting systems across district buildings were upgraded with motion-activated controls and that insulation work is complete in needed areas, all as part of an energy performance contract intended to cut operating costs.
On school safety, De Tomaso said the district has increased the schedule for its security firm, Altaras, from two days a week to three days a week. He also said the district is installing two security/check-in kiosks; the kiosks will not be ready by the first day of school but are expected to be operational shortly thereafter.
De Tomaso said he had sent board members correspondence about two New York State updates: a statewide cellphone/device ban in schools enacted earlier in the year, and the state's program providing free school breakfast and lunch for this school year. "You should be receiving correspondence," he said, and he emphasized that the free meals cover breakfast and lunch for students; snacks or additional items remain chargeable.
De Tomaso said the superintendent conference day for staff is scheduled for Aug. 28 and students' first day of school is Wednesday, Sept. 3. He closed by thanking parents, staff and the organizers of the summer program for their participation.
