A beautiful new chapter of communication and connection has been brought to the elementary playgrounds at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School. Rocco’s Voice for Autism, which was founded in 2017 by Sonny Spagnuolo, partnered with the Deer Park Special Education Parent Faculty Club to provide and install inclusive play communication boards to help children with autism to communicate their needs and develop social skills.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this special day for all of our elementary schools,” Principal Tammy Alcalde said at May Moore’s joyful June 4 ribbon cutting ceremony. “A big thank you again to Rocco’s Voice and the SEPFC for making this a reality for our students.” 

“We thank the SEPFC not only for their generous donation, but for their insight, initiative and unwavering dedication to our students,” Associate Principal Kimberly Essig said. “Their recognition of the need for communication boards on our elementary playgrounds was the spark that helped bring this vision to life. Their advocacy ensures that every child has a voice and we are so grateful for their partnership. This is more than a donation, it’s a celebration of what is possible when we come together for the benefit of every child.”

“We are super excited about this new addition to our playground,” JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli said. “The communication board will serve as an invaluable tool for many of our students.”

JFK introduced the communication boards to students across all grades on June 11 with a brief and engaging modeling session during recess, led by the school’s speech pathologists.

“The board is a really good idea, because if someone is hurt or having a bad day, they can let someone know,” JFK third grader Kristian Quintero said.

“Our students were enthusiastic and eager to explore how the board can enhance communication and inclusivity in their interactions,” JFK Associate Principal Jenny Dixon said. “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to bringing this initiative to life,” “We look forward to seeing the lasting positive impact it will have on our playground community, fostering meaningful connections and shared understanding among all students.”

Date Added: 7/3/2025

At the Deer Park Board of Education’s July 1 annual reorganization meeting, Donna Marie Elliott was reelected to her seventh consecutive term as president, while Kristine Rosales was named to her sixth term as vice president. Elliott and Rosales, along with new trustee Grace Heyne, reelected trustee Jerry Jean-Pierre, Superintendent James Cummings and District Clerk Lisa Brennan, were sworn in during the board meeting.

Date Added: 7/2/2025

Robert Frost Middle School held its moving-up ceremony on June 24, honoring the school’s eighth graders who had achieved graduation and were ready to make the jump to high school this fall. 

After National Junior Honor Society President Avery Freda led the Pledge of Allegiance, Student Council President Emily Hofacker addressed and congratulated her classmates to the cheers of proud families gathered in the gymnasium bleachers.

Student awards and graduation certificates were handed out by Principal Dr. Eliana Levey, Associate Principal James Henry and Associate Principal Kevin Quirk before Levey presented the audience with the future Deer Park High School Class of 2029.

Date Added: 7/1/2025

The Deer Park High School Class of 2025 celebrated the milestone event of graduation on June 26. As Al Centamore Football Field filled with board of education members, administrators, staff, families and friends, the soon-to-be graduates processed onto the field in their maroon and white caps and gowns, smiling and looking forward to the future.

To open the ceremony, Student Council President Gloria Min led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Nathalie Martillo performing a beautiful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” 

After a warm welcome from Principal Charles Cobb, senior class advisers Julissa Larkin and Anne McCormack reminded students to always remember their home and to be curious, resilient and lead with kindness.

Senior Class President Tonika Sikder addressed her peers recalling high school memories and lessons. 

“This is a moment to remember everything it took to get to this point,” Sikder said in her heartfelt speech. “We learned a lot during our time here; some academic and some not. But what matters most is we learned how to persevere and grow.”

“Standing here with each of you, I reflect on our journey and I am reminded of our achievements,” Class of 2025 Salutatorian Adib Shaikh said. “We were given the gift of education, and you should never stop striving for more. Do something greater, stay humble and be the generation that turns privilege into purpose.” 

Valedictorian Reza Zorakhsh spoke about half cadences, noting how graduation is itself a half cadence – a suspenseful pause before moving forward. He reminded his peers that their many late-night study sessions and preparations for presentations were all half cadences essential in shaping their future. 

An annual tradition continued as the valedictorian from a decade prior, Sabrina Grunseich, offered words of wisdom. She reminded the graduates that on their journey toward achieving their dreams, they should find time for their hobbies and be sure to always listen to their hearts. 

“Some of you grew up here, some of you came from other towns, some from other countries,” Superintendent of Schools James Cummings said. “But no matter where you came from, you made it, and you made it together. This is a moment where all your stories intersect for one moment in time. You’ve been part of a community that believes in you and no matter where you go, that will never change. When life gets challenging – and it will –  remember the people who helped you along the way, and always know you have a place to come home to.”  

Closing the ceremony, Cobb proudly addressed the Class of 2025. He recognized seniors who participated in the junior firefighter program and those who will be joining different branches of the military. Cobb congratulated all students and reminded them to reflect on their achievements, honor their journeys and continue to grow, learn and pursue their dreams. 

Finally, the moment arrived that the Class of 2025 had been anticipating, the awarding of diplomas. As each name was called, the graduates received their diplomas and enthusiastically shook hands with members of the Board of Education. They were then instructed to turn their tassels, marking their official transition from Deer Park High School students to proud Falcons alumni. As their caps flew into the air, all those assembled cheered, wishing the grads endless success on the journey ahead. 

Date Added: 6/30/2025

Deer Park’s three elementary schools celebrated moving up milestones in June, as fifth graders at JFK prepared for middle school and second graders at JQA and May Moore got ready to step up to third grade at JFK. 

Second graders at the primary schools proudly sang “JQA Forever” at JQA’s June 2 ceremony, and “Best Day of My Life” and “Shine” at May Moore’s event on June 4; both held outdoors; while at JFK’s June 23 ceremony in the school gym, the fifth-grade chorus kicked things off with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. At all three schools, awards and certificates were presented in front of the students’ proud families.

May Moore Principal Tammy Alcalde and JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli bid a fond farewell to their charges as they took one big step forward in their educational journeys.

“A heartfelt thank you to our students,” Alcalde said. “You've done such an amazing job this year, and you are more than ready for third grade. Continue to make us proud, boys and girls.”

“Thank you for sharing your children with us,” Molinelli told their parents. “It’s been a privilege to work by your side to mold these incredible minds and caring hearts.”

JFK Principal Kelly Benson congratulated her fifth graders as they walked off, while welcoming the graduating second graders who would be joining her at JFK come September.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome you to the John F. Kennedy family,” Benson told the youngsters. “You each bring something special – your ideas, your energy and your curiosity – and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you do here. Moving to a new school can feel like a big adventure, and it’s okay to feel a little nervous, but just remember, here at JFK, our Falcons don’t just fly, but we soar. As you get ready for third grade, come with an open mind and a brave heart. You're going to learn new things, make new friends and have so many exciting experiences. We’ll be ready to welcome you with open arms in September. Until then, congratulations on everything you have accomplished in second grade.”

Date Added: 6/24/2025