Students in Deer Park’s summer school program, facilitated by district teachers, administrators and student volunteers, enjoyed their seventh annual Luau event in July, held in the JFK gym. At the Luau, teachers plan out educational activities such as building volcanoes and circuits, creating fun books, and working on math and writing activities, complemented by games like fishing and a sweet treat of Italian ices.

“Our students come off the bus on the first day of summer school all excited about the Luau and counting down the days to this exciting event,” said teacher Phyllis Senia, who organizes the program.  

“Mrs. Senia creates an environment to learn in a fun way and is truly dedicated to these students,” said volunteer Debbie Leon, who has worked with the program since its inception. “It has been my honor and pleasure year after year to watch these children’s experience a summer education, maintaining and enhancing their skills acquired during the school year through fun with education and inclusion in the community.”

The SEPFC recently sponsored a Paint Night for district students, held in the high school cafeteria. Participating students had the opportunity to create beautiful portraits on canvases, showcasing their creative skills and abilities.

The Robert Frost Middle School Band recently attended the Music in the Parks festival at Dorney Park, earning the designation of first place with a superior rating. The ensemble, led by Director Michael Livorno, also received a trophy for best middle school band.

Andrea Carone, who teaches seventh and eighth grade science at Robert Frost, was one of just five teachers recently recognized by NBC Learn as educators whose dedication to their students and their communities is truly inspiring.

“I am honored to be recognized,” said Carone, who has taught for more than two decades. “The way that I can go above and beyond in and out of the classroom here at Deer Park is because all of the administrators, teachers and staff go above and beyond for me, to make my job more effective.”

“Ms. Carone’s lessons are not confined to her classroom,” said school psychologist Iris Marchon, who nominated Carone for the recognition. “She’s a model for her entire community of what it means to truly support and uplift one another. She gives her own time and money to support students, staff and families in need, including those impacted by death, fire, displacement or illness. For her middle schoolers, she’s a deeply kind, caring and innovative teacher. For all of us, Ms. Carone is an example of how to lead a life filled with love, joy and generosity, changing the world wherever she goes.”

For the 306 eighth graders of Robert Frost, the June 24 moving up event was a chance to reflect on the conclusion of one educational step, to receive awards and certificates, and to get ready for the new challenge of high school.

National Junior Honor Society Vice President Emily Franciscovich led the Pledge of Allegiance to start the ceremony, followed by addresses from Principal Eliana Levey, Student Council President Kayley Eising and Deer Park High School Charles Cobb.

“As we sit here today, many of us are anxious to finally be on summer break, while others of us have mixed feelings about moving up to high school,” Eising said in her speech. “Our days as middle schoolers are coming to an end, and we will finally be in high school. I feel confident in saying we are all prepared for whatever obstacles we will face in high school. We will be facing new experiences and challenges. We will inevitably be faced with peer pressure at some point, but in these moments, we must remember to be ourselves and not followers.”