The Citizenship Committee at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School hosted its fifth annual Veterans Day Breakfast on Nov. 8, welcoming JFK students’ family members who have served in the nation’s military for a morning of patriotism and community connection.

“Each year, our Citizens Committee takes great pride in organizing this meaningful event,” Principal Kelly Benson said. “It continues to grow and improve, becoming more remarkable with every passing year. Personally, I always look forward to it. The event offers our students a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the experiences of previous generations. The veterans share stories that we hope will be passed down from generation to generation, preserving their legacy and lessons. This year was particularly special, as we welcomed four generations of veterans. Among them were siblings, parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents. It was truly an incredible day, and I am deeply grateful for the dedicated group of teachers who work tirelessly to bring this event to life every year.”

“It is always an honor to be part of this special event,” teacher and event organizer Lauren Kuban said. “The staff here at JFK is so thankful to the amazing veterans in our community, and we hope to be able to continue this amazing tradition for years to come.”

Date Added: 11/18/2024

Deer Park School District administrators, Board of Education members, teachers and students attended the Eid Holiday Coalition’s inaugural Eid Brunch to Connect on Nov. 2, including Board President Donna Marie Elliott, Board trustee Jerry Jean-Pierre, John F. Kennedy Intermediate School Associate Principal Shaun McLeod, May Moore Primary School Associate Principal Kimberly Essig, teacher Nicole Bjarnason and Deer Park High School Muslim Student Association President Alishba Syed. The two-hour event was comprised of a brunch, welcome address, presentations on “Inclusion Across Long Island” and “How to Support Muslim Students in the Classroom,” as well as time for networking with other districts. Students also spoke about their experiences of being Muslim students in schools on Long Island that support their cultures, beliefs and holidays and how it has positively impacted them.  

“The event was extremely well attended and informational in regards to receiving knowledge about current events, language in the classroom and communicating with Muslim families,” Essig said.

“It has been an incredible privilege to serve as the adviser of the Muslim Student Association over the past two years,” Bjarnason said. “I am honored to support such inspiring students in their efforts to create a welcoming space where connections flourish and where understanding and acceptance are promoted. I am continually moved by their dedication to building a community that celebrates diversity and fosters mutual respect. Alishba, our school’s MSA president and co-founder, and I are currently planning an upcoming event featuring celebration, food and henna to deepen the bonds of respect and joy within our school community. Being part of their journey has been a deeply meaningful experience, and I look forward to the positive impact they will continue to make.”

Date Added: 11/8/2024

After a pride-filled parade through the streets of Deer Park, students and school community members dressed in white, grey and maroon colors enjoyed a full day of homecoming celebrations on Oct. 26. They soon made their way to Al Centamore Football Field for the pregame ceremony, highlighted by joyous performances by the PAL, Robert Frost Middle School and Deer Park High School cheerleaders and kickline.

During halftime, Reza Zorakhsh and Samara Talleyrand were announced as Homecoming King and Queen, respectively; the juniors were named winners of the class float contest; and the well-rehearsed Marching Falcons band put on a stunning show. Although the hometown team fell to Huntington’s Blue Devils, it was a memorable morning and afternoon.

“Homecoming weekend 2024 at Deer Park High School was a vibrant celebration of school spirit and community pride,” Principal Charlie Cobb said. “Our Deer Park parade brought together students, families and alumni, filling the streets with energy and excitement. The weekend was packed with festivities that highlighted our Falcon pride and showcased the incredible spirit of Deer Park. From spirited activities to the homecoming game, this was a weekend to remember.”

Date Added: 10/30/2024

The Deer Park School District celebrated its hardworking Board of Education for School Board Recognition Week at the Oct. 22 board meeting. A highlight of the meeting was well-deserved recognition of Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott for being named a 2024 Woman of Distinction. Elliott had received this accolade at the Women of Distinction fall brunch sponsored by New York State Assemblyman Keith Brown, held on Oct. 20 at The View Restaurant at Crab Meadow Golf Course in Northport.

“I can't think of anybody more deserving,” Superintendent James Cummings said. “Everyone sees Donna as the current president of the board, but since I got here in 1997, she’s been involved in so many things and always advocated for our special education program. What makes tonight so special is that she has spent the past 25 years making sure that everybody who does something gets credit. It’s about time Donna gets the credit for everything she’s done for the children of Deer Park. On behalf of the entire school community, I want to thank her.”   
 
“There’s nothing she wouldn't do for this community,” Board trustee Al Centamore said.  “She's incredible. I’ve been involved in this district since 1980, and this award is very special.”

“Thank you for everything that you do,” Board trustee Jerry Jean-Pierre said. “Donna, you give so much to the community, so this is just a little something that we can give back to you.”

“Thank you, all of you, for this amazing award and for recognizing me tonight,” Elliott said. “I have to say that from the bottom of my heart, I think that the greatest gift we can give anybody is to make them feel valued, special and loved, and tonight you gave me that gift. I will be forever grateful for your words. I love this community. I love everything about it. I love all of you and I am honored and proud to stand here amongst these people. This is a special place.”

In a special presentation for School Board Recognition Week, third graders from John F. Kennedy Intermediate School’s new dual language program presented a bilingual tribute to the Board, speaking in both English and Spanish.

“Seeing you all here tonight reminds us of why we do what we do,” Cummings told the students.

“We want you to know how proud we are of you,” Elliott added. “We think you were phenomenal, and we can’t wait to hear more of your wonderful speaking.”

Date Added: 10/24/2024

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