ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The Valley Stream District 30 Board of Education gathered virtually on Sept. 21 for its first regular meeting since the reopening of schools. The livestream was available for the community to view on YouTube.

Jennifer Lewner, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and Erica Suarez, summer school principal, shared a recap of the district’s 2020 summer school program which was held virtually for the first time this summer. They reported that although the program was designed differently than in past years due to the pandemic, it was a successful summer of growth for more than 100 student participants. While utilizing Google Classroom and Google Meets, the students strengthened their English language arts and math skills, while also engaging in enrichment sessions.

Following their presentation, Dr. Nicole Schimpf, director of special services, shared the successes of the district’s Special Services Summer Program, also held virtually this past summer. Dr. Schimpf spotlighted some of the lessons, along with the technical supports and platforms that were utilized to help students. She proudly reported zero regression by the end of the summer among those who enrolled in the program.

In addition, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nicholas Stirling shared a back to school presentation with the board and community. This consisted of steps that are being taken in the school buildings to keep everyone safe and healthy, such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, limiting visitor access and conducting temperature checks each morning. He encouraged everyone to move forward with a positive mindset and praised the staff for their creativity and innovativeness as the district navigates this new normal.

Board President Ingrid Wyllie-Dacon also praised members of the district, including the Reopening Task Force, staff and parents for their support.

“Thank you to our staff and teachers for embracing all of the changes in, around and outside of the classroom,” she said. “Thank you to the parents who have been very patient and cooperative. Everyone being on board and giving 100 percent created a very smooth opening and that has continued. We are all facing challenges at this time and the board is thankful and appreciative that you are all doing your part each day to ensure that we move forward. Thank you very much for all of your hard work.”

Valley Stream District 30 held its annual Special Services Summer Program from July 6 through Aug. 14. The program was designed to meet the continuing needs of students with learning disabilities from Clear Stream Avenue, Forest Road and Shaw Avenue schools. Due to the pandemic, the six-week program was facilitated virtually for the first time in its history and was led by Director of Special Services Dr. Nicole Schimpf. The dedicated summer staff consisted of special education teachers Melissa Cappy, Gabriella Cunzo, Timothy Rau and Monet Springer, speech therapists Cassandra LaBarbara and Jennifer Reilly, along with occupational therapists and physical therapists.

Thirty-nine students participated in the half-day program, Monday through Friday. They were enrolled in one of four small classes of less than 12 students and although their interactions were virtual, each student had the opportunity to still engage in one-to-one lessons for individualized attention to be set on specific student needs. Teachers conducted live instruction through Google Meets and provided activities on Google Classroom. To maintain a structure that students were already familiar with, academic-based apps were utilized on their devices to further enhance reading, writing and math concepts and students participated in hands-on projects and virtual field trips every Friday.

“From a teachers perspective, it was challenging but rewarding to see the students grow over the summer with regards to Google Meets and practicing time management skills through virtual instruction,” said Mr. Rau.

In addition, teachers led individual or small class meetings throughout the summer to create a sense of community. The program also offered parent training for families for extra support at home.

“The summer staff this year were amazing with ‘thinking out of the box,’ delivering creative lessons, staying positive and adapting to the new challenges posed by the pandemic to create a wonderful experience for our special education students,” said Dr. Schimpf. “We also have to thank our special education parents who were true partners in helping to create routines and assistance while their child worked remotely.”