Robert Frost Middle School sixth grade math teachers Lisa Abeltin and Denise Scholz recently set up a PEMDAS Operating Room in the school’s library, based on the math rule that stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, and Addition and Subtraction. Students became surgeons as they solved math expressions to “treat” their patients. In small groups, they rotated through themed stations, worked together to evaluate expressions with exponents and explained their thinking to one another. Each “patient case” gave math a real-world context, helping students understand why following the order of operations is so important. This hands-on activity allowed students to connect the rules of PEMDAS to real problem-solving, strengthen their procedural fluency and deepen their conceptual understanding. 

“By tackling challenging problems together and applying their knowledge in an interactive setting, our students practiced math in a meaningful, engaging, and memorable way, and we all had a blast doing it,” Abeltin said.

Date Added: 10/29/2025

Deer Park’s teachers showed their support, spirit, and dedication during October by wearing pink on Wednesdays for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Primary school teachers Lynn Hadity, Annemarie Kennedy, Christine Michels and Debbie Sciacca, and Robert Frost Middle School teaching assistant Christine Lacascia also participated in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Jones Beach on Oct. 19.

Date Added: 10/29/2025

Proudly wearing the school colors of white, grey, and maroon, the entire Deer Park school community came together on the sunny morning of Oct. 18 for a joyful homecoming parade, marching from John F. Kennedy Intermediate School to Deer Park High School. Serving as grand marshal was longtime Deer Park resident and district custodian Tony Santoro, a proud member of the Deer Park High School Class of 1977 and dedicated Deer Park Fire Department.

Once everyone gathered at Al Centamore Football Field Football Field for the pregame ceremony, Student Council President Ava Bush led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by “The Star-Spangled Banner” sung by the Phoenix Club. The celebration continued with recognition of the 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, and County Legislator Tom Donnelly presented Santoro with a special commendation.

“Tony lives his life as a great example of what it means to be a valued community member,” Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott said. “For all that you do, Tony, here at Deer Park High School, for all the happiness you bring to our beautiful town, and especially for what you mean to Deer Park and all of us, we celebrate and honor you today.”

The crowd was then treated to energetic performances by the Robert Frost Middle School and varsity kickline teams, as well as the PAL, Frost, JV, and varsity cheerleaders. Adding a royal highlight to the ceremony, Kerwin Bartholomew and Alexis Borowski were crowned homecoming king and queen and took their ceremonial ride around the track as the Phoenix Club performed the school’s alma mater. Members of the homecoming court included Ilayda Avcu, Pearse Boylan, Heidy Gonzalez Morales, Thomas Luscardi, Jaheim McCallum and Mischa Rose.

While awaiting the big game kickoff, the Student Council hosted a festive Fall Festival behind the stands, featuring pumpkin decorating, face painting with the Art Club, and a food drive to support local families.

Deer Park’s Falcons came out fast and furious, with wide receiver/defensive back Christian Myrick returning a 71-yard punt for the game’s first touchdown. Myrick added two more exciting TDs before the second quarter ended, but Newfield’s Wolverines ultimately prevailed, 42-21. 

At halftime, the Marching Falcons electrified the crowd with a rousing performance, and the winners of the high school’s float contest were announced – the seniors captured first place, followed by the juniors in second, sophomores in third and freshmen in fourth.

Date Added: 10/21/2025

The Deer Park School District has named Richard Santoro as an associate principal at Robert Frost Middle School, effective Sept. 26. He replaces James Henry, now the district’s director of math and business.

Santoro comes to Deer Park from the West Hempstead School District, where he served for the past two years as assistant principal at West Hempstead Secondary School. He previously worked as dean of students at Islip Middle School and as a sixth-grade special education teacher, junior varsity girls soccer head coach and varsity baseball assistant coach in the South Huntington School District.

A Massapequa resident, Santoro obtained his bachelor’s degree in communications from SUNY Farmingdale, his master’s degree in childhood education from Dowling College, his special education certificate from Touro College and his school leadership advanced graduate certificate from Stony Brook University.

“As a middle school assistant principal, my goal is to create a safe, supportive and engaging environment where every student feels valued, challenged and inspired to reach their full potential,” Santoro said.

Date Added: 9/26/2025