In a move to develop a science research program light years ahead of any other on Long Island and even the nation, star science teacher Melanie Jacobs Krieger has been appointed as coordinator of science research K-12 at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District. Mrs. Krieger was looking for a school district that allowed her to develop a research program without equal, and the district was looking for an acclaimed teacher to move it in that very direction. She has a record of producing the third highest number of Westinghouse scholars in the nation.

Mrs. Krieger, who was officially appointed by the board at the April 20 meeting, will begin her tenure in the district effective July 1. Announcing the appointment was Board of Education President Ginger Lieberman, long-time advocate of this type of program.

According to Superintendent Dr. Anthony Cavanna, Mrs. Krieger's arrival is exciting to administrators, staff, parents and students alike. "What is outstanding about this program is that every student will be allowed to reap its benefits," he stated. The new science/math/humanities program will extend throughout the district, offering every student, from youngsters in the Kindergarten Center to seniors in Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School, opportunities for research and research-related competition.

The program the district is cultivating will not only teach students technical aspects of the science, math and humanities disciplines, it will also teach them dedication, commitment and decision-making skills that are applicable in all aspects of their lives.

Dr. Cavanna, who has helped bring this and other groundbreaking programs to the district, including Reading Recovery, had this to say about Mrs. Krieger: "It is critical that when a program of this magnitude is to be undertaken, the educational philosophies of everyone involved are in the same vein. Mrs. Krieger has the same zest for science research that the district has for implementation of these programs." Parents, teachers and students observed her energy and enthusiasm at a presentation held June 17 at the high school.

A Lifetime of Commitment to Children...

The newest addition to the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central Administration Team will be arriving from her current post as research director of Ward Melville High School, where she produced the third highest total of Westinghouse Science Talent Search semifinalists of any school nationwide. Dr. Cavanna looks forward to the same phenomenal results for POB students. Prior to that, she served as academic teams' coordinator, from 1985. She originally began at Ward Melville in 1979 as an AP computer science, introduction to calculus and statistics teacher.

Since 1984, Mrs. Krieger has had an alliance with Stony Brook University, as adjunct professor, co-director of the Stony Brook High School Summer Research Institute, coordinator of the research support symposium, creator of the mentor program, community consultant, and high school consultant for Project WISE (Women in Science and Engineering). She also co-created GEMS (Gender Equity in Math and Science). Her list of honors, grants and awards is seemingly endless. Mrs. Krieger was chosen as the Tandy Technology Scholar Teacher of the Year, placing one of 100 nationwide; was the recipient of the Outstanding Teacher of the Year in the metropolitan New York region; earned the MIT Excellence in Teaching Award; and was chosen as USA Today All Academic Team Teacher.

How To Motivate Students?...Krieger Wrote the Book (Literally!)

At Technion University in Haifa, Israel, Mrs. Krieger is an American representative for the Summer Research Program, and an American representative for the Science Olympieda Competition. Stateside, many school districts turn to her for her knowledge and expertise, some of which can be found in her books, How to Excel in Science Competitions, The Science Activity: an Alternative to the Traditional Science Fair, and in the upcoming release entitled, How to Motivate Students Using the West Prep Model.

"We look forward to Mrs. Krieger working with our talented staff and administration to create a program that sets the standard for science, math and humanities research on a national level," noted Mrs. Lieberman. "We welcome her and wish to express our delight in our new partnership."

"In discussing her philosophy, Mrs. Krieger stated, "My motto has always been 'to be in it is to win' and our goal at Plainview-Old Bethpage is to have everyone in it."