Superintendent’s Column

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Superintendent’s Column

Written by Dr. Elaine Kanas,Superintendent, East Williston School District Friday, 08 March 2013 00:00

Around The District

Strategic Planning – Can You Help?

Thank you to those of you who helped us ‘try out’ the important priority survey we will be distributing to the entire East Williston School District community in March.

Dr. Feeney On The Radio

On Monday, Feb. 18, Dr. Sean Feeney, Wheatley Principal, was a special guest on WNYC-FM’s The Brian Lehr Show, which featured a Principals’ Roundtable. The discussion focused on being a principal in today’s world. You can hear a recording of the broadcast by going to http://www. wnyc.org/shows/bl/2013/feb/18/principals-roundtable/

Leveled Literacy Intervention

Recently, North Side reading and other support teachers participated in a two-day training session in Leveled Literacy Intervention for third grade. (Note: This training is supportive of one of this year’s curriculum goals, implementing our District Response to Intervention Plan.) The Fountas & Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention System (LLI) is a small-group, supplementary intervention program designed to help teachers provide powerful, daily, small-group instruction for children in the early grades. Next month reading teachers and grade K, 1 and 2 support teachers will participate in the training.

High School Course Selection

Wheatley is now in the process of scheduling for the 2013-14 school year.

A Reminder from the Guidance Department: Have a thoughtful conversation with your child about their course selections. Students are encouraged to choose courses that challenge their intellect and stimulate their minds. Building a schedule that provides opportunities for research, exploration and critical thinking is important as students look forward to the college years.

New College Seminar Courses Added

Next year’s juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to take two brand new courses. One is the Junior Seminar, which will involve preparation for the SAT and ACT exams as well as support students in the college search process. Seniors have the opportunity to sign up for the Senior Seminar where they will work on essay writing, building a resume and other activities designed to support them in their college application process.

Budget 2013-14

Wednesday, Feb.27 was the first Budget Workshop. At this meeting the district presented an overview of the budget, as well as the administrative and capital components of the budget. Other parts of the budget will be highlighted at upcoming workshops, the calendar of which is listed on our website. Each Friday, I will highlight the key details from each budget meeting in this newsletter. You will also find the Budget Info page on the website updated after each workshop. [Start at www.ewsdonline.org and click on the District tab > Departments > Business & Finance > Budget Info > 13-14 Budget Info. You may also find the Budget Info page in the news box on the home page of the website.]

Boys Varsity Basketball – What a Team!

Congratulations to Wheatley’s Boys Varsity Basketball team, the number one seed in the Nassau County Class B Championship Tournament.

News

Winning Year For Roslyn High School Girls Lacrosse

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

The Roslyn High School girls’ lacrosse squad ended the regular season playing the same consistent ball they had all year. In early May, the Lady Bulldogs topped both Wheatley and Great Neck North, while losing a close match to conference rival MacArthur.

The Lady Bulldogs finished the year with a sterling 10-5 mark overall and a 5-4 winning record in Conference IV play.

Spring Season Underway

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

Members of the Old Westbury Gardens gather on the lawn of the Phipps Estate for the Annual Taste of Spring.

Old Westbury Gardens recently held its 11th Annual Taste of Spring on the grounds of the Phipps Estate, a gold coast mansion built in 1906. More than 300 people attended, drinking a variety of wines and dining on gourmet hot foods served up by local chefs. One of the favorites was a chicken with peas topped with a fragrant winter lavender sauce cooked by Jeff Lawton. Other delicacies included duck, gnocchi, tacos, meatballs, prime rib, baked brie, and quiche followed by an assortment of chocolate desserts and crème Brule.

Long Island notables were also in attendance including author Nelson DeMille and Peter Tilles, a prominent developer. As guests mingled they also were treated to a special show of vintage bridal gowns staged throughout the house, many of the dresses dating back to the 1900’s and some worn by member of the Phipps family.

Proceeds from the event and the silent auction went toward the estate. Beverage and tasting sponsors included Banfi Vintners, Bryant and

Cooper Steak House, Chi, Dessert Diva, Elegant Affairs Catering, Jeff Lawton Catering, La Bottega, Robbins Wolfe Eventuers and Sterling Affair Caterers.

Sports

Top Finishes For Green Vale Runners

Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00

Fifteen members of the Green Vale Pacers, a girls’ running club, ran the 5K Race of the Long Island Marathon held at Eisenhower Park on May 4. All fifteen finished the race and a few finished at the top of their age divisions and within the top ten for all 354 female racers.

Wheatley Honors Star Athletes

Friday, 10 May 2013 00:00

Fifteen Wheatley High School students have been recognized by the Nassau County Interscholastic Athletic Association for their exceptional performance in athletics, scholarship and leadership qualities for the winter 2012-2013 season. All winter teams were recognized as NYS Scholar/Athlete Team Award winners. The Boys Indoor Track team was crowned NYS State Scholar Athlete Team Champions. The Boys Varsity Basketball team won the Nassau County Class B Championship.