At the June 11 Work Session of the Board of Education, Dr. Stephen P. Neidell, Interim Assistant Superintendent, presented a report on the Universal Pre-kindergarten Program. The UPK Advisory Committee included:

John Klupka - Board of Education trustee

Dr. Stephen P. Neidell - Interim Assistant Superintendent

Bernice-Theresa Acevedo - Primary School Principal

Patricia Groarke - Homestead kindergarten teacher

Rose Jenkins - Locust kindergarten teacher

Arleen Brown - Hemlock kindergarten teacher

Alice Brown - director, Child Activity Center, Adelphi University

Ann Amengual - director, Garden City Nursery School

Sharon Snailer - SEPTA parent

Pam O'Conor - PTA parent

At this time, based on the current information including factors considered and the public hearing comments, the UPK Policy Advisory Board is not recommending the UPK program for the 2001-02 school year. In addition, future consideration of a UPK program in which state funding is available should be preceded by a needs assessment survey done in collaboration with Adelphi University.

Dr. Neidell also presented information on the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR). The APPR Committee includes:

Dr. Stephen P. Neidell, Interim Assistant Superintendent

Emma F. Pendleton, Director of Curriculum

John Okulski, High School Principal

Dr. Marylou McDermott, Stratford School Principal

Joseph Saccente, Middle School Assistant Principal

Kathy Maher, GCTA President

Joyce Cini, GCTA Executive Board

Arleen Brown, GCTA Executive Board

Eileen Fredericks, GCTA Executive Board

Lynn Hayes, PTA President

Joan Barnes, SEPTA Presidential Advisor

In meeting the requirements of the Commissioner's Regulation, the Garden City Union Free School District has developed a one-year Annual Professional Performance Review plan, beginning Sept. 1 for the 2001-2002 school year, to be reviewed and updated annually.

The goal of the Annual Professional Performance Review is to improve the quality of teaching and learning, and to meet the learning needs of all students.

The Annual Professional Performance Review plan applies to classroom teachers, subject area teachers, psychologists, guidance counselors, social workers, nurses, speech and language teachers, and any other members of the teaching staff recognized by the Garden City Teachers' Association (GCTA).

Dr. Neidell discussed the evaluation and support process involved in the plan.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stephen Leitman gave an overview of the 2000-2001 school year and cited the success of the newly opened Writing Center at the high school, the successful relationship with Teachers College in the area of technology, and the positive results of Instructional Time and Staff Development.

Looking ahead to the 2001-2002 school year, Dr. Leitman cited the Summer Institute for Professional Development that includes such courses as:

Digital Imaging: scanners, digital cameras, and digital video; Creating WebQuests for Elementary and Secondary Students; Meeting the Needs of Special Education Students in your classroom; using Technology with Special Needs Students; Using PowerPoint as an Instructional Aid; Math Explorations for 3rd through 6th graders; using Excel for Organization and Instruction; Desktop Publishing in the classroom with Microsoft Publisher; Integrating Technology in the Social Studies Curriculum; using Excel to Teach Problem-Solving; Applying Critical Thinking Strategies in the classroom.

Dr. Leitman spoke about the expansion of services in the Writing Center, and in our science research program, and a newly developed relationship that the district has with Adelphi University. He said that Adelphi is offering a wide range of opportunities beginning with a Distance Learning Program and the granting of nine $1,000 awards to Garden City High School juniors for service leadership. These students will become eligible to attend workshops at Adelphi University as well as having library privileges.

The 2001-2002 school year will focus on enhancing educational programs, addressing the needs of our students with appropriate academic support programs, new and creative staff development programs, partnering with Teachers College Columbia University and Adelphi University, and the continuation of construction to improve facilities. The district's theme for the 2001-2002 school year will be:

Building on Our Success - in the Garden City Public Schools - Everyone Counts.