Students in the Falcon Friends Club at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School worked on a lovely Positivity Garden project this spring. They were given a banner, created by teacher Samantha Racano, and filled in all the flower petals with positive words. They also created decorative “rocks of encouragement” by painting meaningful words and phrases on the rocks. 

Run by music teachers Briana Fayans, Kristen Lombardo and Theresa Santa Maria, the Falcon Friends Club encourages socialization while doing fun projects together, building teamwork and fostering new friendships.   

“The Positivity Garden now resides in a showcase at JFK, meant to bring smiles to all who pass by,” Lombardo said. 

Date Added: 5/5/2025

During March, students and staff at Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School and John F. Kennedy Intermediate School teamed up once again to collect and donate Play-Doh to the children at Northwell Health’s Cohen Children’s Medical Center. Following last year's successful initiative, over 1,000 cans of Play-Doh were donated. Play-Doh is often used therapeutically in hospitals to offer comfort, provide a creative outlet for expression and serve as a distraction during challenging times. 

“We are grateful to the students and families in the Deer Park community who donated to this wonderful cause,” teachers Kristen Alo and Kathryn Outcault said. “Thank you for helping to make a difference.”

Date Added: 4/16/2025

JFK held another wonderful evening Camp Read Away in the school gymnasium as part of READ Month in March. Many teachers demonstrated their love of reading while spending time with students reading books in tents, visiting the star lab, and playing camping games.

Date Added: 4/9/2025

John F. Kennedy Intermediate School recently hosted a blood drive. In an important display of caring, JFK staff members came together with the community to donate 50 pints of blood for the New York Blood Center.  

Date Added: 3/27/2025

Students and staff at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School rocked their colorful socks on March 21 for World Down Syndrome Day, to show their support for students with Down Syndrome. Officially observed by the United Nations every March 21 since 2012, this  awareness day seeks to help people better understand and support those with Down Syndrome. Deer Park also partnered with Gigi’s Playhouse, selling shirts to benefit the local organization, which focuses on changing the way people view a Down Syndrome diagnosis and sending a global message of acceptance for all.   

Date Added: 3/25/2025