As we enter a new century during the 1999-2000 school year, the mission of the Levittown Schools continues to be "Success for Every Student." The school district has pursued this mission with ever increasing success since 1987. One of the challenges for the Levittown Schools this year is the continued increase in its student population. The 1999-2000 school year will bring approximately 7,532 students to the district's six elementary, two middle, two high schools and one vocational school. Of these students, 3,896 are in grades K-5, 1,582 are in grades 6-8, and 2054 are in grades 9-12. The continuing increase in student population has necessitated many construction and building renovation projects. These projects include new classrooms, auditorium space, athletic facilities and ongoing building repairs. Fifty-two teachers were hired this summer to fill new classrooms and to replace a number of retiring and resigned teachers. In addition to the new teachers, the Abbey Lane and the Lee Road Elementary Schools have new principals.

This year the school day at all levels will be increased by 18 minutes. This extra time will be used in many ways, mostly geared to meet the new Regents standards. There are more Levittown students taking Regents level instruction than ever before. Many of the students enrolled in these challenging classes will be provided with extra time for learning. The ongoing assessment of students' needs and preparing students for the rigorous state testing that lies ahead of them is one of the most important tasks of Levittown's schools. This year, elementary students who need remedial help will be receiving it in smaller groups, often as few as three students. This additional help will begin to prepare students for the Regents level classes that they must take in high school.

Levittown Public Schools understands the increased educational demands placed upon our students, as well as the demands on today's families. The after school child care program at Gardiners Avenue has been expanded to include an additional program at Abbey Lane. This expansion will accommodate more youngsters, helping Levittown families provide a safe environment for their children after school hours. In addition to this change, the enhanced busing program, approved by district voters two years ago, will be fully implemented during the 1999-2000 school year.

Technology is rapidly gaining influence in our society and is used in every area of modern life. The Levittown School District has made it a priority to implement more technology in classrooms and throughout school buildings. This year every classroom computer will have access to the Internet. Along with being Internet ready, the district's 749 computers are connected to networks, allowing for the rapid exchange of information and resources. In addition to these computers, each building has 25 new computers installed in media-computer labs. These computers use the latest technology, allowing students exposure to a multitude of educational software. The district's computer department will continue to provide training to teachers in the areas of educational software application and Internet usage in the classroom. As technology advances, Levittown has kept up by providing students and teachers with the most up-to-date tools.

Many teachers this summer participated in the districtwide curriculum workshops. These workshops were designed to update curriculum by including the new standards established by New York State.

Also, Levittown students were involved in the many summer school programs. Some of the programs offered this summer included; Youth Employment, Special Education, Music, and Academic programs.

We are about to embark upon an exciting time, a new millennium. Levittown is excited about the future. We see the future as a time for strengthening and encouraging our most valuable asset, our children. We hope you have had a wonderful summer and look forward to another prosperous and productive school year.

Robert L. Davis

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction

Levittown Public Schools