New York State's recently released results of the spring 2004 fourth grade math assessment tests show that Elmont students continue to maintain their high scores. The districtwide average of children achieving at the two highest levels (meeting all standards) is 97.5 percent, up from 97.2 percent in the 2003-04 school year. Elmont's scores far outranked the statewide average of 79.1 percent of students scoring at levels 3 (grade level) and 4 (mastery).

Elmont students have steadily increased their performance since 1999-2000. At that time, the district average was 2.7 percentage points below the state. Today, Elmont's students are more than 18 percentage points higher than their statewide counterparts.

"Our school district has aggressively strived to raise expectations for students and to provide excellent instruction," says Dr. Maria Palandra, Elmont Schools superintendent. "Our teachers and administrators are giving students the tools to be successful learners. Students are encouraged to be attentive to lessons, complete homework, take part in before and after-school tutoring classes, and participate in activities that challenge their thought processes."

Recent news articles report research that shows the connection between music education and advanced achievement in mathematics. As part of Elmont's efforts to educate the "whole child," the district has increased opportunities for children to study music and play musical instruments in school and/or districtwide ensembles, bands, orchestras and choruses. The research points out that the discipline, use of symbols, and even the neatness involved in music training add to a child's positive approach to learning.