Mrs. Arlene Heim, on of H. Frank Carey High School's most popular and beloved teachers, was named the school's Teacher of the Year, an honor bestowed upon her at the recent Sewanhaka Central High School District's Opening Day Ceremonies.

Mrs. Heim, an English teacher and after-school club advisor, was presented her plaque by district superintendent, Dr. George Goldstein, following a moving large-screen video summary of her accomplishments well appreciated by an audience of the district's 600-plus teachers, including her enthusiastic and indebted Carey colleagues.

According to Carey principal, Dr. Tom Dolan, the award is well deserved due to Mrs. Heim's talents as an English teacher and student motivator. "Arlene is a wonderful teacher and she is able to elicit trust and caring from her students," noted Dr. Dolan.

Others who attested to Mrs. Heim's fine talents on the video presentation were fellow English teachers Mrs. Jeryl Inglima, Mr. Harris Insler, Mrs. Jane Kornbluth, Mrs. Marialana Piccolo-Kreutz, former chairperson Mrs. Denise Nolan and Carey students Kelly Ilardi and Jessica McMonigle. Mrs. Piccolo-Kreutz praised Mrs. Heim's innate human touch and her unassuming and honest ways as keys to her success in the classroom.

Other than her noteworthy accomplishments as an English teacher, Mrs. Heim also is known as a hardworking advisor for the school's successful Model Congress program where all agree she wields a tough but fair gavel to mediate the zealous proceedings.

In other news from the day's festivities, in a ceremony filled with well-earned pomp and circumstance, H. Frank Carey High School received the presentation of its National School of Excellence flag by Dr. Goldstein and the Sewanhaka District was then presented the National District of Excellence banner by John Mahoney, regional representative for the United States Department of Education.

In addition, a number of Carey teachers were awarded district Mini-Grants-monetary awards ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars to develop innovative teaching techniques and purchase new equipment. Those awarded grants included art teachers Mr. Ron Lopez, Mr. Michael Cartolano and Mrs. Ronny Lipitz and English teacher Mr. Brian Merges, who won for their innovative "Franklin Square: The Blue Ribbon Community - Getting Out the Good News" proposal.

Recognizing shapes, identifying colors, pairing pictures and knowing the difference between "more" and "less" are all aspects of the Elmont Schools' kindergarten screening. During the September shortened-day schedule, the kindergartners show their readiness for school and teachers gain insight into each student's abilities. The full-day kindergarten program begins Monday, Oct. 2.

The next meeting of the Valley Stream High School District Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 8:30 p.m. in the board room at One Kent Road-second floor, rear entrance of Memorial Jr. High.

On the agenda for the meeting is the appointment of the new assistant superintendent of schools; the celebration of school board recognition week, and recognition of Valley Stream's 12 All-State Music honorees. Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ronald Valenti will also update the board and community on the latest attendance figures and further efforts to reduce class size.

The Franklin Square Board of Education is interested in establishing a Citizen's Budget Advisory Committee to advise the board on the development of the 2000-2001 school budget.

On or before Oct. 20, legal residents of the Franklin Square School District who are at least 18 years old and interested in becoming members of this committee should contact:

Mrs. Karen Occhiogrosso, assistant superintendent for business and operations, Washington Street School, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, NY 11010. The telephone number is 481-4100 ext. 3500.

The board of education will consider all requests and make a final decision regarding the appointments to the committee. Appointment of members to the committee will take place at a future board of education meeting.

The West Hempstead Rams varsity football team rained on Mineola's parade. This past Saturday, the Mineola Mustangs held a gala homecoming parade, which ended with ceremonies at Mustang Stadium in Mineola.

It looked as though rain would hold out during the overcast day. But, during the first quarter the rains came and so did West Hempstead's dominance. The Rams scored 18 first quarter points before adding a touchdown late in the fourth quarter for the 24-0 win.