December 2, 2021

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Dear Valley Stream District 30 Families and School Community:

At our Board of Education meeting this week, we honored and celebrated the work of our staff as another cohort of educators passed through their GATE. The GATE process is a more comprehensive evaluation of an educator's work over several years before they are allowed to move up the next step of their salary scale. We congratulate the following outstanding staff members: Rae Costa (Forest Road), Jeanine Lichter (Shaw), Jennifer Orellana (Clear Stream), Melissa Rodriquez (Clear Stream) and Regina Rudy (Shaw).

As budget development commences for 2022-23, our goal is to maintain a comprehensive educational program that includes English Language Arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, library-media services, ESL services, reading services, math intervention services, special education services, enrichment services, support services and the arts. Budget presentations will begin with Facilities on December 13th and Technology on December 20th. Our annual facilities tour will be virtual again this year and will be presented at December 13th Board meeting.

Parent-Teacher conferences will be held virtually on December 15th. Please sign up for meetings as per building communications. Our early dismissal drill will also occur on this day. More information to follow.

The holiday season reminds us of beautiful moments and happy memories celebrated in the past, and we look forward every year to another chance to relive them and create new ones. The best part of the season is remembering those who make the holidays meaningful – the joy of family and happiness of friends.

In addition, there is no time like the holidays to teach your children about the spirit of the season and how small acts of love and kindness can be magical. For example: volunteering to help with a PTA activity, donating time, money or goods to those in need, or sending a holiday card to friends and family to show that you care. Our children are always looking to us to model what is right and good.

May you enjoy all the happiness the season can bring and may peace and love be yours throughout the coming year. Schools will be closed from Friday, December 24, 2021 through Friday, December 31, 2021.

Wishing you a season that brings you the music of laughter and the warmth of friendship and love.

Sincerely,

Nicholas A. Stirling, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools