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Superintendent highlights enrichment program, student showcase and air-conditioning pilot
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Caracus reported on district attendance at an innovation convening, previewed classroom and Vision 2030 initiatives, announced an air-conditioning pilot at two schools, and introduced a student showcase from the district's enrichment and challenge programs.
Dr. Caracus, superintendent of the Valley Stream 24 Union Free School District, used his report to highlight instructional innovation, district partnerships and facilities work and to introduce an in-person student showcase.
The superintendent opened by describing a recent trip to the League of Innovative Schools spring convening in Seattle, saying the district joined roughly 170 school systems for professional learning and a visit to a transcribed "Isiqua" district to observe interdisciplinary approaches. He said the district will share what it learned at the April work session and that the district motto is "make the connection innovating our future." This framing, he said, drives plans to adapt new classroom practices.
The report cited several locally visible items. Dr. Caracus noted an Elks Lodge donation of dictionaries to third graders at the district's schools, describing the gift as a way to "balance digital tools with traditional materials." He also described redesigned classroom learning spaces, including sixth-grade desks used as writable whiteboards that let students solve problems in real time. On facilities, he announced an air-conditioning project is now underway at Brooklyn Avenue School and Robert Carbonero School and said a prototype installation was completed this week at Brooklyn Avenue School; Charlie Brocher, director of facilities, was identified as coordinating the installations with contractors.
Dr. Caracus then turned to outreach and assessment timelines. He listed upcoming events and deadlines, including spring recess (April 2—), ELA state exams for grades 3—6 on April 15—16 (computer-based), a budget preview on April 23 (a Zoom coffee hour with Dr. Mitchell, assistant superintendent for business), and the district's budget vote and business meeting scheduled for April 28.
The superintendent concluded by introducing the enrichment and challenge programs and inviting students to speak. Three students described hands-on STEAM learning in the enrichment curriculum. "The activities get us thinking and challenge my brain to think deeper," said Satie Anderson, who identified herself as a fourth-grade student. Athena Benosmith, a fifth grader, described robotics, coding and "squishy circuits" in electrical engineering units. Manny Guzman said challenge projects let students act as software developers and create educational video games and other long-term projects; he said he appreciates the chance "to do fun projects and be creative." The board applauded after a short video showing classroom activities.
The superintendent's report concluded and the board moved to the next agenda items.
