Deer Park launched a brand-new bilingual program for third graders this year, designed to help both English and Spanish speakers thrive together in an engaging learning environment. The initiative at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School reflects the community’s longtime diversity, which has only deepened as the district has recently welcomed numerous Spanish-speaking families from all over the globe.  

This new pilot program features two classrooms that embrace a “dual language” approach. Each dual language class is comprised of both native English speakers and native Spanish speakers, creating a vibrant atmosphere full of language and culture. In this setup, English speakers will dive into foundational Spanish while honing their skills in English. At the same time, Spanish speakers will work on mastering English while continuing to develop their Spanish skills. This daily exposure to both languages creates a rich learning experience and fosters appreciation for each other’s cultures. As students embark on this bilingual journey, they can look forward to amazing growth. After just one year, they will be well on their way to basic conversational proficiency in both languages. Within two to three years, they will reach foundational proficiency and after five to seven years, many will achieve near-native fluency. The goals of this dual language program go far beyond just speaking two languages, however.

“We want to help our students succeed academically, become bilingual and biliterate, and develop a deep understanding of different cultures,” Executive Director of Elementary Education Danielle Sheridan said. “Research shows that students in dual language programs often see improved academic performance, enhanced thinking skills, better communication skills, enhanced cultural awareness, increased creativity, greater job opportunities, stronger memory skills, enhanced social skills and increased self-esteem.”

“The instruction happening in each of our bilingual classrooms is impeccable,” Director for ENL and World Languages Ashley Rosenberg said. “Both teachers have created warm, welcoming environments in which both English and Spanish speakers feel comfortable. If you were to visit either room, you would see student work, charts, books and much more in both languages. Students are welcomed in both languages, and often students work in partnerships, speaking with friends whose background may be different than their own. While instruction happens in both Spanish and English, students are offered differentiated support in their native languages to make sure they understand grade-level content.”

“I can already tell the difference in my daughter’s accent when she speaks Spanish,” parent Jennifer Hernandez said. “It’s a warm feeling knowing that Ms. Melgar is giving her all to help our babies learn a second language.”

Date Added: 10/21/2024

The College Board recently recognized 72 current Deer Park High School students for earning AP Scholar designation for 2024, honoring their hard work and high achievement in college-level AP courses and exams. The Advanced Placement Program recognizes several different award levels.

Thirty-eight students – seniors Kristle Adugyamfi, Rehan Ali, Anthony Almanzar, Sanaya Archer, Emma Burkitt, Julian Bustamante, Isabelle Dsouza, Nidal Elmoussaoui, Alexander Farahmandpour, Destiny Gavin, Easton Glass, Jadin Karbownik, Hannah Legname, Justin Lenehan, Erin Lin, Aiden Magali, Nathalie Martillo, Kadyn Neale, John Panza, Arleen Perez, Ryan Pichardo, Pavani Pointi, Kelsey Rotzman, Tonika Sikder, Erin Sullivan, Alishba Syed, Dru Tulloch, Atilla Tuzun and Kira Vitale; and juniors Hiba Amin, Kayla Cruz, Maxwell Ferguson, Nicolas Flores, Raquibul Hasan, Ruby Kappel, Onwuka Offiah, Eve Valentine and Vincent Vela   – were named AP Scholars, granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.

Fifteen students – seniors Hiba Faisal, Zaara Hossain, Kristina Kerr, Gloria Min, Abir Rashid, Chasity Rolon, Sarina Saeed, Utku Uysal and Zyann Wright; and juniors Tanin Ahmadzai, Lucas Di Vanna, Sebastian Garcia, Bertrand Mondelus, Luciano Stallone and Sidra Syed – were named AP Scholars with Honor, granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

Nineteen students – Shubat Alam, Naeil Alim, Dakota DeSantis, Matthew Flores, Damon Ierulli, Jasreen Kaur, Valerie Ponte, LaSheena Pottinger, Hassan Rehman, Sanya Sabur, Adib Shaikh, Lissha Varghese and Reza Zorakhsh; juniors Hasan Asif; Ubaid Iqbal, Lauren Marable, Ava Sacarin and Jaidyn Schabe; and sophomore Vincent Cacciola – were named AP Scholars with Distinction, granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

Date Added: 10/15/2024

John F. Kennedy Intermediate School recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with an evening filled with delicious food, lively dancing and great company. Organized by the school’s PFC, the event honored the diverse cultures within the Hispanic community.

Families prepared a variety of authentic dishes, showcasing their heritage through flavorful offerings such as empanadas, tacos, pulled pork, and rice and beans. The evening ended on a high note with professional salsa lessons, where students and parents learned the basics of salsa dancing from an expert.

“The event was a wonderful success, bringing together families, staff and students to celebrate and share in the richness of Hispanic cultures,” Principal Kelly Benson said. “A huge thank you goes out to all the families who contributed to making this celebration so special.”

Date Added: 10/15/2024

In accordance with Fire Safety Month, the Deer Park Fire Department visited two Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School to teach students about fire safety and preparedness. Students at both schools were given the opportunity to sit in a fire truck and learn about the equipment that their local volunteers use to keep them safe.

 Date Added: 10/11/2024

Seven talented Deer Park High School student-musicians – William Fox, Dylan Girard, Nathalie Martillo, Gloria Min, Arielle Salgado, Sophia Sheeler and Lorelai Silverstein – were recently selected to participate in the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education’s High School All-County Festival in November. This prestigious NYSCAME event brings together outstanding student-musicians from across the county to perform together, showcasing their dedication and skill.

“We commend all seven students for their achievements and hard work, and we look forward to their performances with NYSCAME,” Fine and Performing Arts Director Bradley Murphy said. “Their commitment to music exemplifies the spirit of excellence we strive to cultivate in our Deer Park community.”

Among these exceptional students, Silverstein was also selected to participate in an All-State ensemble this December at the New York State School Music Association’s Winter Conference in Rochester.

“This is a remarkable achievement, highlighting Lorelai’s hard work and musical talent,” Murphy said. “Congratulations to all of our talented musicians!”

Date Added: 10/2/2024