The district welcomed New York State Sen. Monica Martinez, who visited the Frank P. Long Intermediate School on May 9.  

During her visit, Sen. Martinez met with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani, Board of Education President Cheryl A. Felice and Principal Stefanie Rucinski to learn about the school’s programs and initiatives. She also toured the newly constructed courtyard learning lab where students were participating in outdoor learning activities.

Completed with the use of capital reserve funds this past fall, the courtyard learning lab provides an outdoor instructional space flexible enough to allow for large group concerts, plays and presentations, as well as an extension of classroom learning. Through its construction, the courtyard learning lab improved the overall health of the building. Overgrown vegetation was removed and rain gardens now purposely draw water and moisture away from the building. The turf flooring also reduces maintenance and eliminates the need to bring gas operated lawn mowers through the school to cut the courtyard’s grass. There are garden plots where students can plant and observe the growth of flowers and vegetables, a labyrinth and trees under which students can relax.   

The district thanks Sen. Martinez for her interest in visiting the school and the courtyard learning lab.