Elmont Union Free School District

It was a night of celebration, reflection and appreciation at Dutch Broadway School, as the Elmont Union Free School District community paid tribute to its impressive scholars, dedicated staff, and long-serving board members.

Superintendent of Schools Mr. Marlon C. Small welcomed attendees and extended heartfelt thanks to all who made the night possible.

"We will celebrate transitions into retirement, recognize excellence, and we will look forward to the future with optimism and gratitude,” Mr. Small said. “To everyone being recognized and celebrated tonight, our retirees, our departing board members, our teachers receiving tenure, our remarkable students...thank you. Thank you for your hard work, thank you for your dedication, and for making a difference in the Elmont School District.”

Interim Director of Curriculum and Instruction Robert Cavaliere began the celebrations of numerous outstanding scholars, recognizing them for their artistic creativity, dance skills and scientific research.

Each year, the Paul Sapienza Elmont/Belmont Parade Youth Art Contest invites scholars in grades 4-6 to showcase their creativity through artwork inspired by the theme “celebrating Elmont and the Belmont Stakes.” Through this contest, scholars depict their love for Elmont and its history. Seven scholars were selected as winners this year, receiving certificates of recognition for their artistic accomplishments.

The student recognitions continued, with the Alden Terrace School fourth grade scholars who participated in this year’s Dancing Classrooms of Long Island program. During the course of 10 weeks, the fourth graders learned classic ballroom dances and their global roots. Following a schoolwide Dancing with the Scholars showcase, a select group of students was invited to compete at the Colors of the Rainbow ballroom dancing showcase. The Alden Terrace team competed against six other Long Island schools, earning an individual silver medal and a school trophy. The team, accompanied by their teacher Terence Lewis, received certificates of recognition.

Dutch Broadway School Principal Cynthia Qasim presented the following awards to two student research teams from Dutch Broadway, who earned top honors at the prestigious New York State Science and Engineering Fair on April 29. The scholars were named Grand Award winners in recognition of their extraordinary scientific thinking, hard work and academic excellence. Davyon Walker and Usman Sheikh were honored for their research, The Effect of Curcuma longa on the Regeneration Rate of Lumbriculus variegatus. Teddyanne Calixte, Terence Brew and Samantha Ortiz were honored for their research, The Effect of Sodium Chloride on the Heart Rate of Daphnia magna.

The scholar recognitions concluded with the Elmont Elementary Teachers Association Sixth Grade Awards, which are presented annually to students from each sixth grade class at all six buildings. These scholars embody qualities of dedication, kindness and leadership. In addition to a Certificate of Recognition, each student received a $50 Amazon gift card to support their love of learning.

Dutch Broadway School physical education teacher Deborah Bennett took a moment to share positive news, announcing that the school hosted its 12th annual Building Homes for Heroes Walk-a-Thon on May 22 and raised $14,396 for the organization.

Attention turned to the staff, as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Administration Dr. Johane Ligondé thanked the retirees for their years of service, commitment to scholars and lasting impact they have made on the school community.

“All together, our retirees have a combined 311 years and three months of service to the Elmont school district,” Dr. Ligondé said. “Your contributions have helped shape countless lives of students, and your legacy will continue through the work that you have done.”

The retirees are: Peter Abrams, Anne Marie Amatulli, Ann Marie Bopp, Susan Costa, Theresa Fasulo, Maria Gilbert, Brenda Glynn, Marina Jimenez, Kowsilah (Inez) Mangar, Sharon McManamy, Covert Avenue School Principal Mary Natoli, Virginia Raffanello and Diane Sais.

Mr. Small then recognized the contributions and volunteer service of the board members. Vice President Lynette Battle received a certificate for completing her leadership training that is required by NYSSBA. He thanked outgoing board trustees Michael A. Jaime and Dr. Tameka Battle-Burkett for their many years of service to the district and presented them with citations from the Senate, House and Assembly representatives. Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages attended the meeting and shared words of thanks to Mr. Jaime and Dr. Battle-Burkett before presenting them with proclamations, as well.

Additionally, 21 teachers received tenure as a testament to their dedication, commitment and success. They are: Karina Cuba, Kristina Genova, Megan Giugliano, Debra Gluck, Ebony Hubbard, Randee Iafrate, Janelle James, Paulisa Jefairjian, Michelle LaTorre, Dana McGruder, Taylor Miklus, Mikayla Morfesi, Jonathan Ortiz, Jennifer Piropato, Melissa Piropato, Daniel Savarino, Caroline Schlatter, Filomena Scholl, Katelyn Simmons, Meghan Smith and Ashlee-Kate Tisi. Each tenure recipient was introduced by either their building principal or Mr. Cavaliere, with kind words and compliments shared.