Superintendent’s Column - June 19, 2009

Your Support Makes the Difference

As the year winds down, and we enjoy this season of awards ceremonies, graduations and celebrations, it is only natural that we reflect on the events and achievements of the past year. In addition to recognizing the numerous accomplishments of our students and the fine work done by so many of our staff, I also would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for its support of the school district.

Desk of Herricks Superintendent Dr. John Bierwirth - June 12, 2009

Macauley Honors College

Several years ago Jane Modoono and I both visited a new engineering school, Olin, just outside of Boston. Besides the innovative curriculum, which was being assisted by some of the nation’s most prestigious science and engineering universities such as MIT, Olin was also intriguing because it offered all students four years of free tuition. Given the unique nature of the college we did not feel that it was an option which would work for all students. It was however, one which many of our students may not have known about.

From the Desk of Senator Craig Johnson - June 12, 2009

Johnson Votes ‘No’ on Consolidation Bill

Last week, I broke from my conference and voted against S.5661, the so-called consolidation legislation, because I believe it was not in the best interests of the residents of the 7th Senate District.

While I am in favor of empowering residents to determine their own future, I believe that many parts of this measure are fundamentally flawed and contain too many pitfalls. Taken as a sum of its parts, it is my belief that this legislation will inflict harm on our communities.   

Comptroller's Report - June 5, 2009

Appointment to Council on State Health Insurance Will Make Nassau’s Voice Heard

Healthcare issues have always been at the forefront of my policy initiatives, both as County Comptroller and during the 35 years spent in the healthcare field. Throughout my two terms, I have been a squeaky wheel when it comes to finding ways to trim the escalating costs of Nassau County’s health benefits. Several years ago I persuaded the County Legislature to eliminate the practice of offering two family health benefit policies to one family, to lengthen the number of years of employment required to vest lifetime retiree health benefits and to increase the health benefit buy back amount to encourage employees with other coverage options to drop County health benefits.

From the Desk of Herricks Superintendent Dr. Bierwirth - June 5, 2009

What Parents Can Do

1. Learn everything you can about the Internet and what your kids are doing online. Talk to them about the places they go online and the activities that they are involved in. Be aware of what your kids are posting on websites, including their own personal home pages.

Desk of Herricks Superintendent Dr. John Bierwirth: May 29, 2009

Tips for Students on Cyber-bullying – Part I

Over the next two weeks, I would like to share some tips for parents and students on cyber-bullying. These came to us from the Nassau County Police Department via a Herricks PTA officer. They are good, common sense suggestions.

From the Desk of Senator Craig Johnson - May 28, 2009

Johnson Urges Passage of Sex Offender E-Notification

New York State Senator Craig M. Johnson called for the passage of important legislation that will enable concerned parents and residents to receive instant email alerts every time a sex offender moves into their zip code.

“Ever parent would want to know if a danger lurks in their neighborhood,” Senator Johnson said. “This commonsense measure will use existing technology to enhance our current system and proactively alert residents when a dangerous sexual predator moves into their community.”

From the Desk of Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel - May 21, 2009

Honor Vets on Memorial Day

Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel,  a member of the Assembly’s Committee on Veterans Affairs, is asking constituents to pause for a moment during their Memorial Day celebrations to remember the many men and women who have lost their lives during conflicts both past and present.  

Letter: Johnson Is Failing His Constituents

“The article, “Senator Johnson Does an About Face” (The Roslyn News; May 14) had me shaking my head. Mr. Johnson is making a habit of failing his constituents when they need him most. When Albany tries to stick it to Long Island with fare hikes and commuter taxes, isn’t he supposed to step in and protect us? Instead, he “joins the party,” sees it as an opportunity to ask “what’s in it for me?” and tries to cut himself in. A May 5, 2009 Newsday article reports, “Since Democrats took control of the Senate in January, Johnson has pushed for an appointment to the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Capital Program Review Board … (his) last-minute support of an MTA bailout could land him a spot on (the) powerful board that screens mass-transit construction projects.”

At least this time, we know why he sold us out.

Nurhan Hamarat

Letter: Supports BOE Incumbents

I have had children in the Roslyn schools for the past 15 years and have been active in PTA and CCPA throughout that time. As a parent, I value the importance of high quality academics along with extracurricular activities that enable our students to grow in ways beyond what they can accomplish in the classroom. Dani, David and Ron have been strong supporters of the type of experiences that make our district special, from sports to music to theater, mock trial, art and science clubs, community service and anti-bias groups and more. These activities provide for the needs of students with all types of skills and interests.