This month, the Valley Stream Central High School District hired North High School's third principal in its history, which is amazing considering the school opened in 1955.

Dr. Thomas Troisi (pronounced tro-ee-see) will take over for the retired Robert Alden. "I am really flattered with the warm reception I have received so far from parents, teachers and administrators in the district," he said. "I am really looking forward to working collaboratively with all members of the North High School community to help our students find continued success in school."

For the past five years (1996-2001), Dr. Troisi served as the assistant principal of Wantagh High School and before that, he was assistant principal of John Glenn High School in East Northport. His educational career includes four years as a teacher in the New York City public and parochial schools and four years as a social studies teacher at Wantagh High School. From 1992 to 1995, he headed the English and social studies departments and served as dean of students at Harborfields High School.

Dr. Troisi graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in anthropology from Temple University in Philadelphia. He earned his M.S. in secondary education from Queens College and his Ed.D. in educational administration from Hofstra University, where he also served as an adjunct assistant professor of curriculum and teaching. He is the past president of the Hofstra University chapter of Phi Delta Kappa and the recipient of its Distinguished Service Award in 1998.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Valenti has mapped out an agenda for the new school year to increase student achievement and enrich student services.

"In the area of student achievement, we plan to reduce the sizes of academic classes in English, math, science, social studies and modern languages to a 25-29 student maximum; establish performance targets for student achievement on statewide and national assessments and schedule under performing eighth and seventh graders in English language arts and mathematics into a ninth period on alternate days," he said.

The district, according to the superintendent, is also strengthening its guidance services through a new director of guidance position, expanding the inclusion program for special education students, while reducing the number of students in out-of-district placements; improving the school lunch program and strengthening the integration of technology into student learning through increased staff training.

Other goals include initiating a K-12 student electronic profile among the four school districts, concluding professional staff negotiations and completing the review or revision of all board of education policies.

The Valley Stream Central High School District Board of Education will be led by President Andrew J. Walters and Vice President Valerie Clerico. Newly appointed to the position of District Clerk was Mary Magro, the secretary to the superintendent of schools.

The first day of school is Sept. 5.