Over the past several weeks, Herricks has begun implementing a program to recycle paper and related materials. While we are very pleased with this step, we were frustrated that it has taken so long to get to this point. It was particularly frustrating because a number of other districts in Nassau County, including some of our neighbors, had been able to implement recycling programs over the past several years. The problem, very simply, had been that all of the bids we received prior to last summer were either too complicated or would have cost us more than simple disposal. The new bid uses savings realized during the first year to offset capital costs and set up expenses. Thereafter, savings will be returned to the district so that we will have the best of both worlds - a reduction in environmental impact and lower costs. It is our intent to return savings to each building roughly proportionate to the amount they contribute in recycled materials, with the funds to be used for additional instructional materials. By the end of the 2007-08 school year, we should be able to make a full report to the Herricks community on the results of the program and the savings reinvested in the schools.

Several weeks ago, Rev. Norman White informed us of his impending departure from the community. I would be remiss if I did not publicly thank him for all that he has done for students and staff members in Herricks by himself as well as in conjunction with other religious leaders in the community. One example which I think clearly illustrates what he has meant to us is the program which he and other religious leaders run each year as part of the Global Studies class at Herricks High School. Global Studies is a two-year social studies course (grades 9 and 10) mandated by New York state. Part of the course deals with various religions. As one might expect, the coverage of religion in state material is rather bland. To bring religion to life for our students, Rev. White and his colleagues meet with students in the classes in an assembly. After a panel presentation, they take any and all questions. The discussions have invariably been both lively and sophisticated, giving students incredible insights into both the similarities and differences between various religions. Thanks and good wishes, Rev. White.