With the goal of motivating the school’s students, teachers MaryBeth Ingram and Ashley Maune at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School recently decided to put a team of teachers together and chalk the school’s sidewalks with inspirational messages before all three New York State tests. 

“Even if the students weren’t taking the test, it put smiles on their faces,” Principal Kelly Benson said.

“Thank you to everyone that volunteered to bring positivity to our sidewalks for the state test,” Ingram and Maune said. “The students and families loved seeing all the positive colorful sidewalks. We appreciate your time, creativity and joy. We couldn’t have done it without all of your support.”

“What a show of support for our beautiful students from the best staff on Long Island,” Deer Park Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott said. “Imagining myself as a student walking up to JFK today, I would have felt a sense of pride, support and love. It would have made me feel that I could do anything. Thank you to Ashley, MaryBeth and the team of teachers for the people they are, and for providing such a supportive and caring environment for our students to excel each and every day.”

Date Added: 5/21/2024