The Board of Education held its second business meeting of the month, commencing with a hearty congratulations to the boys basketball team, who won the league championship, and for the flawless high school performances of “Rent.”
During the Superintendent report, Dr. Joseph Giani reminded the community that voting times for this year’s school budget and trustee election on May 21 have been expanded to 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. He also reported that the Frank P. Long Intermediate School window and door project is in full swing with completion set for April.
The Board approved the consolidated 2019-2020 school calendar, which will have a start date for the new school year on Sept. 4, two whole weeks off at the winter recess and one snow day built in.
March 25 is the start of the District’s pre-kindergarten program registration. Information on how to register is on the District website.
Trustee Di Santo said she would like to see members of the community take a closer look at becoming involved in the District’s advisory committee meetings scheduled for March 4-7. The next round of meetings will be held on June 3-6 for finance and facilities, health and safety, strategic planning and teaching and learning. Locations and times are posted on the District website.
President Felice discussed inviting CEED, the Center for Environmental Education and Discovery, to meet with the superintendent and discuss joint programming. Trustee Picini asked the District to educate the community about the Momo Challenge. Halfway through YouTube videos for children like “Peppa Pig” and “Fortnite,” a scary image pops up which encourages children to harm themselves. The Board agreed parents should receive communication about this menacing and potentially dangerous challenge, and a letter from Dr. Giani has since been posted to the website.
Dr. Anthony Griffin said he had the opportunity to visit Brookhaven Elementary School and saw three things: a school of love, laughter and learning. He noted that even though the state has labeled the school one that needs improvement and support, this is not what he saw on his tour. “This is not who we are,” he said, and he appreciates the letter that was sent to the staff from Dr. Giani.
High school teacher Gaetano Greco and school counselor teaching assistant Daniel Jarmon were recognized for their selfless efforts in cleaning off staff cars of snow during a recent snow storm.
The next business meeting will be held on March 13 at 7:30 p.m. with a budget presentation on curriculum and instruction.