Students at John F. Kennedy Middle School were excited to enter the school’s new library on Sept. 23. The day marked the grand opening for the new and improved library which was renovated during the summer months to fit the 21st century learner.

Library media specialist Michelle Phillips and teachers assistant Georgia Paraskakis decorated the space and warmly welcomed students into the library during their lunch periods to explore. Students were able to play games, make their own bookmarks, try out the new makerspace additions and sign a grand opening board to mark the special occasion.

The new library features different flexible seating options, new tables and flooring, ample storage, bookcases filled with books of different genres and a full makerspace which was previously the school’s computer lab. The makerspace is an area dedicated to arts and crafts, STEM activities, board games and more. The circulation desk was also relocated to face the library’s entrance.

“The newly renovated library at JFK is warm, inviting and beautiful,” said JFK Middle School principal Kevin Fullerton. “I love seeing the smiling faces and excitement of our students visiting the library. It is such a wonderful place to not only read and learn but to explore, create and have fun in a fantastic environment.”

Date Added: 9/30/2022

Senior Athanasia Panagos from Bethpage High School accomplished an impressive feat for any student. She received a perfect score on the college-level Advanced Placement Research Exam in the spring of 2022. Athanasia earned the maximum AP score of a 5 and was one of only 306 students in the world to earn every point possible on the exam.

Her AP Research project was entitled “The Fluidity of Inherent Human Behavior and the Effects of Environmental Factors on Altruism and Greed.” The purpose of her study was to “determine whether human behavior is inherently or predisposed to greed or altruism, as well as if human nature is influenced by its environment.”

Upon learning of Athanasia's outstanding achievement, her AP Research teachers Kristen Garvey and Nicole Dulaney were thrilled.

“It is such an honor for Athanasia to be recognized as one of the top 306 AP Research papers, especially because there were 26,958 papers submitted globally,” said Ms. Garvey. “Athanasia was very passionate about her topic from the beginning of the year, and I am so proud of her and that her hard work paid off.”

Ms. Dulaney added that it was extremely rewarding watching Athanasia develop a valuable skillset by designing and implementing an original research project.

“I am confident she will continue to utilize these skills in both college and her career, and I look forward to her future success,” she said.

Congratulations, Athanasia!

Date Added: 9/28/2022

Students throughout Central Boulevard Elementary School marked the first Thoughtful Thursday of the 2022-23 school year on Sept. 22. The school community celebrates Thoughtful Thursday on a monthly basis by participating in a special lesson, activity or program that allows them to reflect on themselves or engage in an act of kindness.

This month, Central Boulevard students focused on the statements “thoughtful people think of their future” and “you are the driver of your own bus.” Each student created their own bus and drew a photo of an academic or social goal that they have for themselves. In addition, the students drew a photo of a goal that they have for themselves within the community such as volunteering more.

Each student colored their bus and had their creations displayed outside of their classroom for the whole school community to see.

Date Added: 9/28/2022

Fourth graders from Kramer Lane Elementary School visited the school’s STEM lab during the week of Sept. 19 for interactive lessons all about waves.

Through different experiments, the students were able to define what a wave is and the different parts of a wave. Each fourth grade class visited the STEM lab once a day during the week to further their knowledge. Along with their classroom teacher, STEM teacher Mary Brunjes helped lead the students in the lessons.

One day during the week, the fourth graders explored the motion of an object with a slinky which served as a wave. Students were challenged to place a foam ball in a slinky and figure out how to keep the ball from moving as the slinky moves. They worked in small groups and took turns with the slinky as they made observations. The students learned that with their hand movement, the slinky was consistent and the ball remained in one spot. The fourth graders then gathered as a class to discuss their findings with their teacher and peers and filled out their science workbook.  

Date Added: 9/28/2022