Opening Day In Garden City Public Schools

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Opening Day In Garden City Public Schools

Friday, 28 September 2012 00:00

Not much matches the first-day excitement of a new school year. Waiting at the bus stop or walking to school sporting a brand new outfit and carrying a backpack filled with fresh school supplies occupies a special place in a student’s life.

On Sept. 4, the sense of a new beginning was palpable across the district as parents’ hopes and dreams waved goodbye from departing buses to be received by a sea of face-scrunching smiles, high fives, fist bumps and open arms from staff and one-year-older classmates as students entered their buildings for the first day of the 2012-13 school year.

Principal Dr. Suzanne Viscovich received lots of hugs as students arrived at Homestead on opening day. Schools were ready to greet Garden City’s 4,000 students with additions and enhancements made possible by the community-supported 2009 School Investment Bond and Energy Performance Contract (EPC). Projects ranged in scope from comprehensive energy upgrades that improved the quality of learning and workspaces to expansive new additions at Homestead, the middle and high schools. Work continues during the day on the exterior of several buildings and after school and on weekends on the interiors to accomplish the sweeping bond and EPC goals. Even with a curbside glance, the results are striking. The physical state of the school buildings now more closely aligns with Garden City’s well-deserved reputation as a top-notch school district.

Locust Principal Jean Ricotta welcomed students as they arrived on opening day.

Stewart School second-grade teacher Mrs. Guiry welcomed students assembling in the gym on opening day.

Physical education teachers Crystal Boyd (right) and Laura Burke demonstrate a push-up skill to third-graders at Stewart School.

Hemlock kindergartners introduced themselves to their teacher, Mrs. Santucci (center), their principal, Ms. Audrey Bellovin (left), and each other on the first day of school.

News

Bugs Bower Lecture

Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00

Friends of the Garden City Public Library will sponsor a free lecture, “Life in the Music Business,” with Garden City resident “Bugs” Bower. The legendary music arranger/producer/publisher will be appearing on Thursday, May 30 at 2 p.m. at the Garden City Public Library at 60 Seventh St. to share excerpts from his new book, Nice Stories about Nice People—highlights from his personal experiences in the music business.

Patience Please, With Impatiens

Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00

When gardeners begin shopping for spring flowers, they may notice a familiar staple missing: the impatiens.

Impatiens walleriana, which are beloved globally for their wide selection of color and low maintenance, have been affected by a fungus called downy mildew. The fungus first causes tiny spots, then yellowness on the leaves. A few weeks later, all that’s left is the flower’s stem and a frustrated gardener.

Sports

Playing With A Big Stick

Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00

Defense keys successful lacrosse seasons

The boys and girls high school teams are both rolling and have their sights set on a long run in the playoffs. Both team have faced a number of formidable opponents throughout the season and have successfully navigated their schedules. One thing that has been consistent for both teams has been that their defenses have had to stand tall at key times and shut down very active offenses. Both Coach Finnell and Coach Chapman have made sure that the non-league schedules of their teams will ensure that their teams are prepared for whatever the playoffs can throw at them.

After going the full season last year undefeated, the boys team has three blemishes on their record with losses to powerhouses Ward Melville, Manhasset and LaSalle of PA. With a 9-3 record the Trojans are looking to wrap up the number two seed in the playoffs to force a rematch of the Manhasset game in the County finals. The boys have excelled defensively only allowing 4.25 goals against per game. And if you remove those three tough losses the goals against average drops to 3.1.

Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00

Hockey Rink Open

The Recreation and Parks Department’s new roller hockey rink is now open for general public use by Garden City residents during the following days and times:

Tuesdays 3:30 p.m. to dark

Wednesdays 3:30 p.m. to dark

Thursdays 3:30 p.m. to dark

Saturdays Noon to 6 p.m.

Sundays - Family Skate 3 to 6 p.m.