Westbury BOE Addresses Increased Enrollment, Other Concerns
Written by Cory Twibell Friday, 28 September 2012 00:00
New Superintendent Mary Lagnado says district has 120 more students than last September
New Westbury Superintendent of Schools Mary Lagnado said that the district opened early this year on Wednesday, Aug. 29 with more students enrolling in the various schools as compared to last September.“Our growing student enrollment continues to be a concern and we are keeping a close eye on that. As of today, our enrollment is 4,753. It’s approximately 120 more students or a 4 percent increase from last year,” said Lagnado, who was appointed as the district’s new superintendent of schools following the resignation of Dr. Constance Clark-Snead.
Lagnado’s monthly superintendent’s report touched on the fact that increased enrollment will impact how the district approaches its budgetary process in the coming months.
“As we start our budget preparation process this year, the increased enrollment will be a priority, not only for classroom space but also for additional teachers, instructional materials, textbooks, etc.,” Lagnado explained.
According to Lagnado, the 1934 middle school wing is currently undergoing renovations, which will be completed no later than November. The district’s sponsor, JP Morgan Chase, recently donated more than 200 backpacks to the middle school, Lagnado said.
The district’s annual homecoming parade (noon) and football game (2 p.m. versus Mepham) will take place on Saturday, Oct. 13, and the pancake breakfast will kick things off at 8 a.m.
“Please support this wonderful school event. Tickets are $7 each. Please see or call Elaine Lovell at 333-4252 if you want to purchase tickets,” Lagnado added.
Following Lagnado’s report, one resident inquired about the increased enrollment, specifically at Dryden Street School and its availability of restrooms for young students.
“Most of the classrooms there do have bathrooms. In the majority of the building, yes, we are [in compliance]. There is a shortage of adult bathrooms, however,” said Michael Batkiewicz, director of facilities.
The following teaching assistants were also congratulated at the meeting for receiving tenure, including Park Avenue teaching assistants Gloria Libardi and Gwendolyn Brabham and Dryden Street teaching assistants Christine Blankson, Alexandra Gilles and Christopher Hiltz.
News
Saturday, 18 May 2013 00:00
ZZ Top breaks 9-year recording hiatus with Rick Rubin-produced effort
For most of the ’80s, ZZ Top was an inescapable presence thanks to a plethora of videos, often times containing underdog storylines revolving around gorgeous gals, a 1933 Ford hotrod and the hirsute threesome serving as a Greek chorus of cool to the aggrieved protagonist. But amidst all the bells and whistles, the most impressive feat pulled off by this Texas power trio was using 1983’s Eliminator to adapt its bluesy hard rock boogie sound and modernize it with synthesizers and drum machines sans any kind of artistic compromising.
Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00
John Romandetti saved six people, but he shies away from the title hero.
“I don’t think of myself as a hero,” Romandetti says. “It’s nothing anyone else wouldn’t have done.”
During Hurricane Sandy, Romandetti risked his own life to go out to Howard Beach and get his girlfriend’s family out of their flooding homes. The Bethpage Air Show recently recognized his bravery, naming him the grand prize winner of the Hurricane Sandy Community Heroes contest. Romandetti, along with nine other winners, will receive VIP tickets to the Bethpage Air Show, plus the reception, and GEICO Skytypers Planeside Meet and Greet. As the grand prize winner, Romandetti also gets the chance to fly with the GEICO Skytypers during next week’s airshow.
Sports
Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00
Westbury Okinawan Karate recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary of coming to the Westbury Recreation Center. Since then, the dojo has trained 250 students, ages six and up, in the art of karate with the style of traditional Okinawan ShorinRyu Shidokan.
Founded by sensei John Power, the classes seek to instill the confidence and strength needed to obtain success in everyday life.
“A lot of kids are lacking confidence,” said Power. “We let them practice leadership in the class and this contributes to their confidence.
Friday, 10 May 2013 00:00
Members of the Carle Place Sparc/Interact club recently donated their time and talents at the Alley Pond Environmental Center in Queens. Working together with students from Mineola High School and Holy Cross High School in Queens, the SPARC members planted over 1,000 indigenous trees to help replenish one section of the 600-acre forest park. The group’s efforts were part of the NYC Plant a Million Trees Project in honor of Arbor Day, celebrated on Friday April 26th. The Carle Place planters were: Sarah Megiel, Kelsey Feit, Julia Powell, Sabrina Feit, Monique Slater, Matt Carr, Katie Megiel, Rob Ibos, and Lauren Powell. They are led by faculty advisor Kieran Morris.
Calendar
Johnny Mathis At NYCB Theatre - May 17, 18
Celebrations In Westbury - May 18
"Miles For Melanoma" - May 19
Columns
Building Better Legislators
Written by Michael A. Miller, Millercolumn@optimum.net
Quietly Vindicated
Written by Mike Barry, MFBarry@optonline.net
Health Insurance Crisis Still Here
Written by Michael A. Miller, Millercolumn@optimum.net
