A beautiful new chapter of communication and connection has been brought to the elementary playgrounds at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School. Rocco’s Voice for Autism, which was founded in 2017 by Sonny Spagnuolo, partnered with the Deer Park Special Education Parent Faculty Club to provide and install inclusive play communication boards to help children with autism to communicate their needs and develop social skills.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this special day for all of our elementary schools,” Principal Tammy Alcalde said at May Moore’s joyful June 4 ribbon cutting ceremony. “A big thank you again to Rocco’s Voice and the SEPFC for making this a reality for our students.” 

“We thank the SEPFC not only for their generous donation, but for their insight, initiative and unwavering dedication to our students,” Associate Principal Kimberly Essig said. “Their recognition of the need for communication boards on our elementary playgrounds was the spark that helped bring this vision to life. Their advocacy ensures that every child has a voice and we are so grateful for their partnership. This is more than a donation, it’s a celebration of what is possible when we come together for the benefit of every child.”

“We are super excited about this new addition to our playground,” JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli said. “The communication board will serve as an invaluable tool for many of our students.”

JFK introduced the communication boards to students across all grades on June 11 with a brief and engaging modeling session during recess, led by the school’s speech pathologists.

“The board is a really good idea, because if someone is hurt or having a bad day, they can let someone know,” JFK third grader Kristian Quintero said.

“Our students were enthusiastic and eager to explore how the board can enhance communication and inclusivity in their interactions,” JFK Associate Principal Jenny Dixon said. “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to bringing this initiative to life,” “We look forward to seeing the lasting positive impact it will have on our playground community, fostering meaningful connections and shared understanding among all students.”

Date Added: 7/3/2025

Deer Park’s three elementary schools celebrated moving up milestones in June, as fifth graders at JFK prepared for middle school and second graders at JQA and May Moore got ready to step up to third grade at JFK. 

Second graders at the primary schools proudly sang “JQA Forever” at JQA’s June 2 ceremony, and “Best Day of My Life” and “Shine” at May Moore’s event on June 4; both held outdoors; while at JFK’s June 23 ceremony in the school gym, the fifth-grade chorus kicked things off with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. At all three schools, awards and certificates were presented in front of the students’ proud families.

May Moore Principal Tammy Alcalde and JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli bid a fond farewell to their charges as they took one big step forward in their educational journeys.

“A heartfelt thank you to our students,” Alcalde said. “You've done such an amazing job this year, and you are more than ready for third grade. Continue to make us proud, boys and girls.”

“Thank you for sharing your children with us,” Molinelli told their parents. “It’s been a privilege to work by your side to mold these incredible minds and caring hearts.”

JFK Principal Kelly Benson congratulated her fifth graders as they walked off, while welcoming the graduating second graders who would be joining her at JFK come September.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome you to the John F. Kennedy family,” Benson told the youngsters. “You each bring something special – your ideas, your energy and your curiosity – and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you do here. Moving to a new school can feel like a big adventure, and it’s okay to feel a little nervous, but just remember, here at JFK, our Falcons don’t just fly, but we soar. As you get ready for third grade, come with an open mind and a brave heart. You're going to learn new things, make new friends and have so many exciting experiences. We’ll be ready to welcome you with open arms in September. Until then, congratulations on everything you have accomplished in second grade.”

Date Added: 6/24/2025

The Deer Park School District has been named a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation once again. For the past 26 years, the Best Communities designation has recognized outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders in prioritizing music education. Deer Park was one of only 69 Long Island school districts and 935 nationwide to earn NAMM’s distinction this year.

Date Added: 6/23/2025

The district held its annual Music Awards Night on June 2, celebrating the talent and dedication of its student musicians. The evening included recognition of Long Island String Festival, NYSCAME All-State, NYSSMA All-County and SCMEA All-County awards, as well as performances by Deer Park High School’s jazz ensemble, orchestra and Phoenix Club vocal ensemble and Robert Frost Middle School’s chamber orchestra and chamber choir, and a solo piano performance by student Nicholas Nappo. 

“Tonight was a powerful reminder of what music can do,” Director of Fine and Performing Arts Bradley Murphy said. “It brings people together, it inspires and it gives our students a voice. The level of talent and heart on that stage was incredible. I am so proud of our young musicians and deeply thankful for the teachers who nurture their creativity every day. This celebration truly shows how strong and vibrant music education is here in Deer Park.”

Date Added: 6/11/2025

At the May 27 Board of Education meeting, Deer Park recognized administrators, teachers and staff members for their many years of dedicated service in reaching milestone markers, those who are retiring, and those who have successfully gone through the tenure process.

“Congratulations to our retirees and service award winners this evening,” Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott said. “Thank you for your love and devotion to our district. I never get tired of saying that we have the greatest thing going on here in Deer Park, and the reason why this place is so special is because of a great team. Each component of this team is not more important than the other, but together, we achieve and share in our district’s successes.”

“It’s an exciting night of saying thank you to those who have served the community and welcoming those who are about to serve the community,” Superintendent James Cummings said.  

The following were recognized for their service to the district:

35 YEARS
Mary Reynolds

30 YEARS
Kescha Correa
Josephine DiMaio
Thomas Locascio
Danielle Sheridan
Eileen Tuozzo

25 YEARS
Karen Acquilino
Jennifer Arella
DeDe Bertelle
Jason Bond
Lisa Brennan
Rosalie Brody
Drew Cisek
Dea Compitello
Nancy Cordone
Randi Cortina
Danielle Dabrusky
Michelle D’Auria
Barbara Goemans
Melissa Green
Marianna Grieco
Stephen Hansen
Kerri Held
Tricia Hurlbert
John King
Wendy Kraus
Eliana Levey
Mary Kay Lynch
Christine MacQuarrie
Karen Mannale
Kathleen Manning
John McCaffrey
Belinda McDermott
Alexandros Mesimeris
Kristen Noblett
Richard Paruolo
Anthony Pirozzi
Denise Scholz
Audrey Schulter
Deborah Sciacca
Peter Shek
Noel Skelton
Anthony Tannacore
Beth Ann Vahle
Laura Weiler
Maria Wingert
Victoria Zanni


The following were recognized for their retirement and service to the district: 

30 YEARS
Theresa Santa Maria

25 YEARS
Dennis McNeil
Tara Wellbrock


The following were recognized for their retirement from the district:

TEACHERS 
Roseanne Alfieri
Kathryn Attard
Steven Jaklitsch
Donna Josefak
Laurie Osbern
Gregg Romano
Allison Sweeney
Gina Zulkofske

TEACHING ASSISTANTS 
Eileen LaMotte
Pauline Mauro

CLERICAL 
Laura Dudley
Carol Ottersen
Debra Rios

TRANSPORTATION 
Harry Cooper
Carmine DeMaio
Harold Klein
Debra Wares Holland


This year’s tenure recipients are:

DISTRICTWIDE
Matthew Comiskey (Districtwide Elementary Associate Principal)
Danielle Kraatz (School Psychologist)
Philip Paniccia (Director of Elementary Special Education)
Nicole Thone (Special Education Teacher/Behavior Consultant)

DEER PARK HIGH SCHOOL            
Nicole Bjarnason (World Language Teacher)
Kerry Burke (Teaching Assistant)
Hunter Hayes (Special Education Teacher)
Vanessa Langdon (Director of Social Studies/Family & Consumer Science)
Arthur Pagano (Technology Teacher)
Dr. Dina Pannone (Associate Principal)
Diana Rispoli (Science Teacher)

ROBERT FROST MIDDLE SCHOOL        
Daniel Friend (Physical Education Teacher)
Nicole Hock (Reading Teacher)
Danielle Waterhouse (Art Teacher)

JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL        
Brittany Grosse (Elementary Teacher) 
Dana Matuk (Special Education Teacher)
Darlene Matulich (Reading Teacher)
Leidy Munoz (Teaching Assistant)
Faye Parag (Special Education Teacher)

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS PRIMARY SCHOOL            
Alison Bock (Elementary Teacher)
Heather Capone (Elementary Teacher)
Victoria Mott (Elementary Teacher)

MAY MOORE PRIMARY SCHOOL            
Tammy Alcalde (Principal)
Botticelli Elysee (ENL Teacher)
Juliana Giulietti (Elementary Teacher)
Brittany Hertel (Special Education Teacher)
Samantha Racano (Art Teacher)
Alexis Tyson (Teaching Assistant)

Date Added: 6/4/2025