News & Announcements

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  Director of Pupil Personnel Services Update June 3, 2020

  Dear Parents and Community Members,

  As we approach the time of year whereby the calendar transitions to summer and the regular school year comes to a close we may become concerned about continuing the learning process for our children.  As stated by the U.S. Department of Education, “Summer learning loss can occur and happens when children do not engage in educational activities during the summer months” (https://blog.ed.gov/2014/03/stopping-the-summer-slide/).  When students return to school after summer break, there is an expectation that they may have lost some of the knowledge that they gained the previous school year. This phenomenon is known as summer learning loss, or the summer slide. A student’s exposure to educational activities isn’t usually as rigorous during the summer as it is in the classroom, and some students may need a refresher at the beginning of the new school year.  In addition, having lost real time in school at the due to the COVID-19 school closure certainly adds to this learning “slide.” 

  The following information is taken from several resources such as Waterford.org, Scholastic, and the U.S. Department of Education (https://www.waterford.org/education/summer-slide-and-educational-inequality/; https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/summer-slide.html) and focuses on supporting students through summer in order to promote active learning during the summer months. These ideas and activities for elementary and middle school students may provide some support for our children to promote learning and keep up foundational skills.

  • Visit the Island Park local library website:  https://www.islandparklibrary.org/.  Even though the library is currently closed, there are many ways to bring our library into your home using the library’s online digital resources. You may use your library card to access these resources.  If you do not have a card, you can apply for one on the website.   
  • Prepare for and complete the Summer Reading Challenge through F.X. Hegarty Elementary School or Lincoln Orens Middle School.  This year, the Island Park Schools will be initiating the Summer Reading Challenge.  This is a “reading race,” whereby children will be invited to log reading minutes throughout the summer. Students will be recognized when we return to school in September.  A letter from your child’s teacher will arrive in the next week to explain this, which will also include a list of available resources for digital books and writing activities.
  • Continue to make use of the enrichment activities posted on teacher webpages.  These resources will be archived throughout the summer months.
  • Some of the best resources can be free.  Click on these hyperlinks to access free book and audiobook resources such as Project Gutenbergor Audible Stories.
  • Journaling can be a useful way for students to practice writing when they’re not in school. Use a notebook for journaling. Parents may wish to talk with their children about their writing.  This provides an opportunity to engage in healthy conversation and promotes thinking by means of the writing process.
  • Make time for smart play.  Games, puzzles, and arts and crafts are a great way for children to brush up on the basics while having fun at the same time. Think outside the box with arts and crafts. Sites such NGA Kidshave great ideas that will let any child’s imagination run wild and stimulate creativity.  The NGAkids Art Zone app contains eight interactive activities inspired by works in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, plus a sketchbook for freehand drawing and a personal exhibition space where users can save and display art created with the program. Click on the following link to share out a list of math games you can play with just a deck of cards to practice math skills.  (https://www.weareteachers.com/math-card-games/)
  • Get out of the house if local rules and regulations allow and it is safe to do so.  Experts have found that novelty stimulates the brain and promotes learning. If open and available for visitors as pandemic reopening phases occur, visiting a historic site or even simply reading together at the park can help your child get more excited about reading and learning.
  • Parents may wish to spend some time on teaching healthy eating habits. Ideas for tasty and nutritious meals can be found at Let’s Move!and kidshealth.org.

  It is my sincere hope that you find some or all of the above resources useful.  As always, it is important to stay in contact with the school.  Please stay updated by frequently checking the District website for information about planning for the start of school in September.  If you have further questions about the summer reading program, please contact your child’s teacher.  Finally, thank you for your cooperation and dedication during this challenging time.  As always, the Pupil Personnel Office may be contacted at 516-434-2620. 

  Sincerely,

  Jacob Russum

  Director of Pupil Personnel Services
  Island Park UFSD

   

  Island Park Public Schools
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  Special Business Meeting

  N O T I C E

  As authorized by Executive Order No. 202.1, signed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on March 12, 2020, which has been extended by Executive Order No. 202.14, the Board of Education
  of the Island Park Union Free School District will hold its Special Business Meeting on June 4, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. remotely by video-conference and/or telephone conference and the public will not be permitted to attend the meeting in-person. The public will be able to view and follow the Agenda and see the actions taken by the Board on the Recommended Motions. The public will also be able to listen to the meeting in real-time via a live-stream on the District’s website as follows: go to the District’s website (http://www.ips.k12.ny.us/), select Board (located on the left-hand side of the screen), select BoardDocs and then Meetings will appear in the center of the screen with the current meeting date. Public participation is encouraged through the email inquiries addressed to PublicBeHeard@islandparkschools.org. Questions may be submitted by Noon of the Board meeting day to the appropriate contact above to which the Superintendent, Board or staff members will reply during the Public Be Heard portion of the meeting or as soon as practicable providing individuals have included first and last names with their address. Community members attending the meeting remotely, may also make inquiries during the Public Be Heard portion of the meeting by clicking on the Raise Hand button in the participant list; the Board President will signal the district’s IT host to call on participants in the order in which the requests were received. When called upon, participants must provide first and last names as well as address. (Please note: Participants must install the Cisco WebEx meeting app on a desktop, tablet or smartphone in order to use the hand raise feature.)

  If you have any questions about accessing the meeting remotely, you can contact webmaster@islandparkschools.org or techspecialist@islandparkschools.org.

  Marianne DeCicco
  District Clerk

  • Notice of Special Business Meeting of the Bd of Ed June 4 2020.pdf

  Island Park Public Schools
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  Assistant Superintendent’s Update June 2, 2020

  Dear Island Park Families,

  I hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy!

  In an effort to keep all of our students reading over the summer months, we are happy to announce that we have a new summer reading initiative that will help us achieve this goal. In order for students to reach their full potential, they need a strong foundation in reading and writing. Reading outside of the classroom is critical for maintaining and expanding a child’s literacy skills especially over this summer break, which follows the COVID-19 extended school closure. Research shows that reading books during the summer may keep a reader from regressing.

  The Island Park UFSD has made it a priority to keep our students’ literacy skills sharp by requiring them to read. Summer reading is emphasized because it helps prevent “Summer Slide,” the educational loss your child could experience over the summer, and it encourages the lifelong practices of reading and writing. We are excited to share the changes to this summer’s reading program. Students will no longer be assigned books to read or required to complete a summer reading packet. Rather, beginning this summer, I am pleased to announce the launch of our new summer reading initiative. The goals of this initiative are simple, have students read and write for pleasure by:

  • encouraging students to read for pleasure and become lifelong readers by allowing them to choose the books they enjoy reading
  • encouraging students to write for pleasure and become lifelong writers by permitting them to choose how to express their learning by selecting assignments from a choice board
  • connecting students and families with digital resources to access books from home 
  • exposing students to different types of authors and characters
  • helping students develop reading and writing skills through different types of reading experiences
  • participating in a fun reading challenge that invites students to log their daily reading

  This year, the Island Park UFSD is launching the Summer Reading Challenge – “The Summer Reading Race,” a summer reading initiative that invites children to log their reading minutes all summer. The goal is for our students to discover the joy and magic of reading, and read the most minutes possible in an effort to earn special recognition when we return to school in the fall.

  In the next week, you will receive a letter from your child’s teacher, through the postal mail, detailing all of the expectations for summer reading, a list of available resources to access digital books, a choice board with several writing assignments for the children to choose from, the daily reading expectations for students, and a reading log that your child will return to school in September. In addition, on the District’s website you will find a variety of digital resources as well as recommended book titles for summer reading for each grade level. Please keep in mind that the summer reading lists are intended to be a book selection guide for parents and students and students do not need to solely choose books from the recommended lists. The list is designed to encourage reading enjoyment. It is important to remember that summer reading should be an enjoyable experience and students should choose books that interest them. If a book at any grade level catches the interest of child, certainly allow your child to select the book. However, should it cause frustration, try to re-direct your child to books of choice within your child’s lexile range.

  Our plan is to collect all computer devices delivered to students for distance learning before the end of school. We must update apps, install new ones, and sanitize them. (More information about this is forthcoming.) However, on or about July 31, 2020 the District will begin the delivery of computing devices to every student to ensure all our students (Pre-K to Grade 8) can access digital books from August 3^rd through September 8th.  In the interim, we suggest that students access digital books using the myON platform, which can be accessed using any device including a smartphone. In addition, students can read newspaper stories, magazine articles, and other forms of recreational reading.

  We ask parents to support and monitor their children's summer reading.  Reading a few pages, a day, every day, for 15-30 minutes (dependent upon the child’s grade-level), produces better results than waiting until the end of August to begin.  Students in grades Pre-K to Grade 2 also benefit from frequent "read alouds" by their parents.  Parent participation in book selection ensures that each book won't be too hard or too easy, especially for younger children.  It also assures that the book's theme and content are age-appropriate and respect the family's values and interests.

  We wish you a wealth of wonderful reading opportunities! Your continued support with summer reading is appreciated! 

  Be safe and stay healthy!

  Fondly,

  Vincent Randazzo
  Assistant Superintendent

   

  • En espanol - Assistant Superintendent s Update June 2 2020.pdf

  Island Park Public Schools
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  Letter from Board Trustee, Ray Miley 6-1-20

  Dear Families in the Island Park School District:

  Good morning and let us gladly welcome June in with open arms!  

  I will keep this letter very short avoiding the risk of being redundant with the many letters you have read throughout the last several weeks.

  I think today should be a day to celebrate our children!  They deserve an extra hug and an abundance of love and encouragement today and everyday.  As I watched a couple of kids in the street in front of my house have a catch with a baseball yesterday, it reminded me of my childhood being outside playing ball from dawn until dusk all summer long!  It made me ponder what I would have done as a child if I was forced to social distance from my friends for an extended period.  I am sure that I would not have been happy about it at all!

  I was also inspired by a child in my school this weekend.  I have a student from India who was just enrolled in my school and I just helped his parents set him up on Google classroom about a week or so ago.  This child is 13 years old and has never been in school before.  He has a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy and  Quadriparesis and is an English Language Learner.  He is an amazing child with a beautiful smile on his face all the time.  All weekend long I heard a beeping from my iPad as he and his parents submitted another completed lesson.  They were sending me videos showing me how he communicates and they were trying to help him complete all activities that he missed.  They just wanted me to know how smart and special their child is … as if I truly do know that already!  I am so looking forward to meeting this child in person when we finally return to the school building for school.

  So please celebrate your children today and let them know how wonderful they are just because they are themselves.  Remember every child is wonderful and unique!  There never was anyone exactly like them before and there never will be anyone exactly like them again!  

  Enjoy the last couple of weeks of remote learning and have a wonderful summer!

  Sincerely,

  Ray Miley
  School Board Trustee

   

  • En espanol - Letter from Board Trustee Ray Miley 6-1-20.pdf

  Island Park Public Schools
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  Director of Pupil Personnel Services Update May 28, 2020

  Dear Parents and Community Members,

  As we approach the month of June, we still look for ways to keep our focus and maintain a positive and productive atmosphere in the home.  As stated in previous messages, positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) are a highly effective way to build children’s social-emotional-behavioral skills and reduce challenging behaviors.  At home, like school, PBIS can be effective when normal routine are affected by larger events beyond our control.  The information below is taken from https://www.pbis.org, which is a center at the University of Oregon and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.  The information in this letter is taken from Supporting Families with PBIS at Home (March 2020), a collaborative publication from the Center on PBIS and Center for Parent Information and Resources (https://assets.website-files.com/5d3725188825e071f1670246/5e83b41b7df0210d47588d12_Supporting%20Families%20with%20PBIS%20at%20Home%20FINAL.pdf).   Specifically, this message reviews and expands on familiar strategies and focuses on new recommendations that include setting routines and setting expectations.  Additional resources are also provided.

  Setting routines is important for most students to do well.  Schools set routines for students during the day, and these routines are often written and posted in the classroom and other areas within the school.  Such routines and procedures are communicated to and established with children early in the school year.  When students are not attending school, they may demonstrate increased anxiety and challenging behaviors due to having less routine and predictable activities in their day.  To alleviate any potential anxiety or challenging behaviors, families and caregivers can provide structure that is similar to the school day.  A home schedule, posted in a familiar and visible location, can support positive behavior and prevent other challenging behaviors. 

   

  • The following is an example of a home routine for both older and younger children.  There may be some flexibility depending on your child’s age, family needs, and specific online digital learning schedule.

         o   Get Ready to Learn.  Wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, etc.

         o   Morning Check-In.  Review schedule and daily goals/expectations.  Questions parents may wish to ask are “How are you doing today?  Do you have any questions?

         o   Morning Movement.  Go for a brief walk, or participate in an indoor exercise.

         o   Learning Time.  Use this time for reading, math, or writing.  Engage in distance, remote learning, or scheduled meetings with teachers. 

         o   Lunch.  Have a healthy lunch and review progress with the schedule.

         o   Afternoon Learning. Take advantage of websites, virtual field trips, or activities posted by your child’s teacher on the school website.

         o   Afternoon Movement. Consider a walk, or other outdoor/indoor activity.

         o   Social Connection. Connect with family members or friends via phone or social media. (This should be supervised.)Your child may participate in Google Meet sessions with his/her teacher. 

         o   Evening Family Time and Bedtime. Maintain usual routines and engage in dinner or after dinner conversation.  You may wish to spend some time reading together.

  Expectations at home help to minimize distractions and support desirable and productive behaviors.  During the school year, there may be a chart or display of desired behaviors followed by a description of the behaviors in a setting.  In addition, teachers and principals meet with groups of students to communicate and teach specific behaviors and expectations.  These behaviors can be adapted to the home.  The following are examples that could be found in any school.

  • Examples of expectations in school:

             o   Be Respectful.  Use the classroom system for answering questions and turn-taking, throw food in the proper receptacle in the cafeteria, and listen to teacher instructions from teachers and staffmembers.

            o   Be Responsible.  Turn in your work on time.  Have your backpack ready.  Use your agenda book.

           o   Be Safe.  Walk when holding materials or sharp objects.  Walk in the cafeteria and halls.  Stay with your bus line before boarding the bus.

  • Examples of suggested expectations at home:

           o   Be Respectful.  Lower background noise during learning time.  Use kind words in conversation.  Put things away such as dishes, clothes, etc.  Be polite when reminded about bedtime.

           o   Be Responsible.  Do your best work and keep your online schedules with your teachers.  Turn in your work on time.  Wash hands routinely and practice safe hygiene.  Get enough sleep and go to bed on time.

           o   Be Safe.  Keep electronics away from water (i.e., drinks and food).  Play safely indoors with indoor activities.  Wear your helmet when you ride your bike.

  At every opportunity, teach, remind, and support expected behaviors with positive feedback or praise.  However, when correction or redirection is needed quick corrections or redirections are more effective.  For example a caregiver may wish to use the following to redirect use of language, “That was not respectful.”  “We kindly speak to each other to show respect.”  “Let’s try again.”  “How can we say it better?”  “That was a kind thing to say.”  Redirections should be calm, brief, and provide an opportunity for the child to practice the desired behavior.  Research suggests keeping a ratio of 5 positive interactions or praise statements for every 1 negative interaction or corrective statement.  Reminders may be more effective than persistent corrections.  Also, we may try teaching different, alternative behaviors that can be practiced instead of the undesired behavior.  

  Being creative and modeling emotional wellness is also important.  This may be include taking advantage of scheduled Google Meet times and planning videoconference interactions with family and friends.  In addition, gently remind your family to take breaks from news and social media.  Demonstrating and teaching healthy behaviors such as healthy eating, deep breathing, stretching, exercising, and getting the right amount of sleep also help to minimize stress.

  As always, it is important to stay in contact with the school.  Most importantly, we can teach our children coping skills for working through stressful situations.  Depending on the situation, some of the above strategies may be more useful than others.  Please maintain continuing communication with teachers, social workers, psychologists, and special education service providers.  This can include Assistive Teaching times and Google Meet sessions, which are posted on the Teacher Pages of the District website.  In addition, another valuable resource can be found at the Child Mind Institute website (https://childmind.org/).  I may be contacted at 516-434-2620.  I will return your call.  Thank you for all of your efforts up to this point. 

  Sincerely,

  Jacob Russum

  Director of Pupil Personnel Services
  Island Park UFSD

   

  Island Park Public Schools
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  NY State of Health Letter to Families

  Dear New York State Educators,

  Please share this information with families in your community.

  As we work through these challenging times together, NY State of Health is committed to ensuring access to affordable, quality health insurance for all New Yorkers so they can get the care they need during this state of emergency.

  With the recent closure of businesses across the state, many New Yorkers are at risk of losing their health insurance coverage as a result of COVID-19. Many are likely to be eligible for health coverage with financial assistance through NY State of Health due to their loss of coverage and income. NY State of Health opened a Special Enrollment Period last month for people who are uninsured, and the Marketplace has started an awareness campaign to let people know that NY State of Health is there as a safety net in difficult times like these.

  New Yorkers who are without health insurance should apply now through NY State of Health. If you lost employer coverage, you must apply within 60 days of losing that coverage. Because of a loss of income, New Yorkers may also be eligible for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, Child Health Plus, or subsidized Qualified Health Plan coverage.

  Thousands of assistors are ready throughout the state to help consumers enroll by phone. NY State of Health is committed to helping New Yorkers get the coverage they need so they can get the care they need.

  Visit us at: www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov and let us help you find a health care plan that works for you.

  If you have additional questions you can contact the Marketplace directly at 518-486-9102 or NYSOH@health.ny.gov.

  • NY State of Health Letter to Families(1).pdf

  Island Park Public Schools
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  District Update: April 1, 2020

  Dear Parents/Guardians,

  I hope this week’s update finds you and your family well.

  At Monday’s Regular Business Meeting of the Board of Education, district participation in a county-wide partnership with SCOPE Educational Services for child care services was approved.  This arrangement, provides parents and guardians who are first responders or health care providers with child care coverage while they are at work.  It is a service that will be free of charge in appreciation for the selfless service these people are providing during the COVID-19 pandemic when schools and after-care programs are closed. First responders and health care providers can register by visiting www.scopeonline.us. See the words, “Click Here for SCOPE Emergency Child Care.” The host site is Rhame Avenue School, 100 Rhame Ave, East Rockaway, NY 11518.  It begins Thursday, April 2.

  Now that the Governor’s Executive Order has extended our work from home period until April 15^th, we are working with our teachers to develop the next phase of distance learning for all students. Below are a few important updates.

  Early Elementary Digital Learning

  Our early elementary grade students (Pre K through Grade 2), were provided with print material such as books, workbooks, and other documents sent home via backpack. We recognize that our students have engaged in this print work over the past two-weeks, and are in need of new learning materials. In addition to digital learning, our teachers will continue to provide the students with learning activities that do not require the use of a computer. New learning for our Pre K through Grade 2 students will continue to be communicated via each teacher’s webpage.

  Technology-Based Learning

  The District continues to use a variety of technology-based solutions to ensure students continue their academic work while at home. We recognize that these are challenging times for our students and their parents, as many households are sharing computing devices to complete schoolwork, while parents are working from home. We understand that parents are making requests of both administrators and teachers regarding the need for additional computing devices. This is not possible.  We suggest that families create schedules to share their home device(s). Please note that the District’s technology-based solutions (iReady, myON, Google Classroom, etc.) can also be accessed using a smartphone.

  Quarter Three Reporting (LOMS)

  The third quarter for LOMS students is scheduled to end on Wednesday, April 8^th. Due to the extended school closure, LOMS teachers will provide a third-quarter grade, for students in grades 5-8. This grade follows the District’s Grading Policy, considering only exams, quizzes, and other formative assessments such as  projects, presentations, etc completed through Friday, March 13, 2020. We acknowledge that students may have missing assignments, tests and quizzes that will be difficult to be made-up, submitted, and graded. Therefore, we will not expect that LOMS students submit missed assignments at this time. Given the current set of circumstances, no child’s grades and/or academic standing will be impacted by the extended school closure. Although students’ digital assignments will not be computed into their quarter-three achievement grades, students’ active participation via digital learning, will be factored into their “effort” grade.

  The Island Park UFSD will continue to provide our parents and students with all pertinent information throughout this quickly evolving situation. We remind parents and students to contact teachers via the District’s email system using the code words “virtual hand raise” for any questions or concerns related to digital assignments. Our support staff, guidance counselor, school social workers, and school psychologists are also available to assist our families during these uncertain times. We hope that you and your loved ones remain in good health. We look forward to the having our schools, halls, classrooms and instructional spaces filled with our faculty, staff and most of all our students!

  Together we are better!

  Fond regards,

  Vincent Randazzo                                                                                                      Rosmarie Bovino
  Assistant Superintendent                                                                                       Superintendent of Schools
  Island Park UFSD                                                                                                        Island Park UFSD

  Enclosure: Emergency Child Care Letter

  • Emergency Child Care Parent Info.pdf

  Island Park Public Schools
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  Child Care for Essential Workers

  Child Care for First Responders & Health Care Workers

  IPS is participating in the SCOPE child care program for parents and guardians who are first responders or health care providers in need of child care coverage while at work.  This service is free of charge.  Register by visiting www.scopeonline.us. Go to “Click Here for SCOPE Emergency Child Care.” The host site is Rhame Avenue School, 100 Rhame Ave, East Rockaway, NY 11518.

  Important Survey

  The NYS Office of Children and Family Services  asks all parents in need of child care assistance due to COVID-19 to complete the following survey. 

  Thank you. Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3HSNNYJ 

  Island Park Public Schools
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  Let’s Turn the Page on March …

  Today we say farewell to March, and I’m sure none of us is sorry to see it go. The words “March Madness” will never again have quite the same meaning. In March, the world as we know it came grinding to a halt, and friends, neighbors, and relatives that we would always greet with a handshake, or a hug, or a kiss, were suddenly restricted to remain at least six feet away. Occasions and events were postponed or canceled or altered to fit “social distancing” guidelines. Kids that normally would spend their day in school with their classmates and playing outdoors with their friends were now confined to their homes, doing lessons remotely while their parents struggled to help them learn and keep them occupied – the struggle is real! Working from home became the norm and the fight for a quiet workspace and bandwidth replaced fighting through traffic and for a seat on a train.  And even though our first responders and healthcare workers have continued to report to their jobs as usual, it has been anything but business as usual for them; they are constantly exposed to danger and for the most part are separated from their families in some way as they care for the sick and keep all of us safe. Our elderly and most vulnerable are the loneliest among us, disconnected from loved ones which, although it is for their own good, cannot be easy on them as they sit anxiously waiting for something not (hopefully) to happen. There are those of us that are struggling economically, whether it be due to the closure of a business or the loss of a job, and even if those situations are temporary the unknown of when things will improve hangs over the heads of those that now are living month to month, or week to week, or day to day. Sadly, there are people that we know that have been infected and become seriously ill, and we have heard the news of those that have died. Our hearts hurt for those that are suffering and for the families of those that have passed away, and we hope that their pain is eased as time passes. There is a saying that “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” Well, we’ve certainly had our head in the lion’s mouth; it sure would be nice if the lamb would make an appearance.

  Hidden in all the gloom that March has brought is the one glimmer of hope that always comes in March – Spring. While it was not “celebrated,” the world kept turning and the calendar kept changing and Spring arrived, and with it, perhaps some hope. As April dawns, we can begin to look ahead to better and brighter days while we remain vigilant in following the guidelines that will help keep us all safe and healthy. At some point, we will all emerge from our hibernation and be able to be together again, in school, at work, in parks, in restaurants and bars, in stores and anywhere we have gathered in the past. We naturally will be smarter and more cautious – this event will have a profound effect on how we interact with each other in the future – but with that knowledge we will regain the feeling that many of us are missing now, the feeling of community. Personally, I look forward to returning to work, to being in court doing the work I enjoy. I look forward to coaching my roller hockey team and little league team, and watching my kids play with their friends and ride their bikes without worrying if they are too close together. I look forward to being able to play hockey with my teammates and friends, and to being able to be together with friends. I look forward to seeing my daughter graduate from middle school and begin her new adventure in high school, and not worrying when my sons leave the house to hang out with their friends. And I’m sure we all look forward to the day our kids go back to school! I could go on and on, but probably most of all, I look forward to the little things, like being in a store where every other person is not wearing a mask and gloves, or shaking a friend’s hand and not worrying about getting sick or getting others sick. Unfortunately, many aspects of our old routines will change, possibly forever, but we can hope that in time we get back to somewhere we will consider normal, and that it will resemble what it used to be. Our job is to do everything in our power so that we all get to enjoy and experience the new “normal.”

  It would be great if we all woke up tomorrow and this all turned out to be an April Fools’ Day prank, but if there is one thing we have learned, this is no joke. Nevertheless, in about a week, many of us will be celebrating – as we do each Spring – the religious holidays of Passover and Easter. These holidays bear great significance during this difficult time: Easter is a celebration of rebirth, and Passover is a celebration of freedom. Our celebrations may look different than they have in past years, but the concept is still the same – we look forward to a new beginning and better times with family and friends. Granted, the future is uncertain to the extent that we do not know when our lives will get back to normal, but as each day passes we get closer to that day. Faith and hope will help get us there.

  I look forward to seeing everyone in the near future at school events, on the little league field, and out and about in Island Park. Maybe the April showers will make it easier for us to pass the time indoors so we can all be out to enjoy the May flowers together (Sorry for the Dad joke – too corny?). Seriously, I hope everyone stays healthy and makes the most of their time together with family looking forward to being together again with friends and neighbors, as a community. Hope Springs Eternal.

  Be smart, be healthy, and be strong,

  Jack Vobis

  President, Board of Education

  Island Park Public Schools
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  Grab and Go Meals @ LOMS, 3/30/20

  Beginning tomorrow, March 30, we will resume our Grab and Go food distribution program at Lincoln Orens Middle School. Meals are for Island Park children who are eligible for free or reduce price meals. Please pick up your child’s breakfast and lunch meals from 8:30 to 11AM.  Thank you Mrs. DeBari, food service staff members, and our custodians who are making this program possible!

  Island Park Public Schools
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  Supt’s Update: 3-27-20

  Hope this finds you and your family well.

  This has been a busy week.  There have been many outreach efforts on the part of our teachers to students. All grade levels are well underway with instruction that includes new learning, not just review.  Similarly, our principals initiated online faculty meetings in Zoom with their teachers. All shared their experiences with distance learning and new strategies for teaching as a result of their communications with parents, students, and each other. The Board of Education, to, will be conducting community outreach via its Board Meeting on Monday, March 30, 2020 at 7 pm via WebEx.  See our district website for instructions on how you can attend.  We encourage you to participate by asking questions you may have  through our new email address PublicBeHeard@islandparkschools.org.

  On Monday, March 30, we will resume our meal distribution program from Lincoln Orens Middle School for students who are eligible for free or reduced price breakfasts and lunches.  The meals are distributed  at the back of the cafeteria (in area where Fall Fair is held) during the hours of 8:30 am to 11:00 am. They are handed out through a sliding window in the kitchen so that parents/guardians and food service staff members are all able to maintain appropriate physical distance. We are most appreciative of our food service staff who are truly dedicated to the students and families of Island Park. 

  We also want to thank our custodians who assisted with the opening and closing of our buildings this past week so that Belfor was able to decontaminate and sanitize all areas of our schools this past week. Thank you, too, to our clerical staff whose hours of work at home have enabled the continuity of operations throughout this period.  Everyone has truly pulled together.

  As you may have heard today, the Governor stated schools will remain closed until at least April 15.  I have not received his updated Executive Order but look forward to reading it.  More to come on this.

  While schools remain closed, in addition to reaching out to the child’s teacher for assistance, other resources include:

  Khan Academy at https://www.khanacademy.org/
  iTutor at https://itutor.com/
  Tutor Doctor at tuhttps://www.tutordoctor.com

  My best wishes to you and your family as you make every effort to stay healthy!

  Island Park Public Schools
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  Get Well Wishes to Our IPS Employee

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  Non-Public School/Private School Transportation Requests

  The April 1 deadline (at this time) was re-affirmed by the NYS Education Department as the deadline for Non-Public School/Private School Transportation Requests. At this time, if you are not able to have the form completed by your child's school, you may send an email to our Transportation Supervisor, Kelly Angelo (kangelo@islandparkschools.org), requesting 2020 - 2021 transportation for your child. Please include your child's name, school and grade for the 2020 - 2021 school year. This email request will be accepted in lieu of the application so that you will meet the April 1 deadline. When schools are back and functioning as normal, we will request that the form be completed. Until then the email correspondence will be accepted.

  Thank you.

  Island Park Public Schools
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  Meals for Island Park Students

  Families eligible for free or reduced price breakfasts and lunches as well as any family residing in Island Park and whose children attend our schools who is not able to provide these meals, please note the following:

  " Island Park UFSD is providing Grab and Go Meals.

  " The meals are available for pick up from Lincoln Orens Middle School, 150 Trafalgar Blvd. Island Park, NY 11558.

  " We distribute the meals through a sliding window from the kitchen cafeteria in the back of the school during the hours of 8:30 am to 11:00 am.

  " Breakfast includes: milk, fruit juice , fruit cup or fresh fruit, choice of bagel, roll or cereal with cheese stick or yogurt.

  " Lunch includes: milk, fruit juice, fruit cup or fresh fruit, choice of deli sandwich or pre-packaged peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

  " All students with records of allergies have an allergy-free meal prepared for them that are kept separate from the other meals. Each allergy-free bag is labeled with the student's name on it.

   

  Island Park Public Schools
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  IPS RELATED SERVICES

  ISLAND PARK SCHOOLS 

  RELATED SERVICES: 

  The following are activities for physical therapy and occupational therapy.  These activities and supports may provide each student equitable access in order to maintain or promote meaningful progress in accordance with his/her IEP, 504 Plan, or other educational needs.  

  SPEECH 

  Please visit Ms. Marconi’s (for Mrs. Gold) or Mrs. Lynch’s website for related activities.  These pages are posted under “Teacher Pages” for both Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School and Lincoln Orens Middle School.  On the teacher page, there are activities specifically targeting student skills and IEP Goals. 

  PHYSICAL THERAPY 

  Games  

  • Simon Says
  • Bean bag or balloon toss
  • Hot potato 
  • Egg in spoon
  • Hop scotch 

  Outdoor Activities 

  • Jump rope 
  • Ride a tricycle or bicycle 
  • Jumping or jumping jacks
  • Playing ball – bounce/catch
  • Bubble play 

  Indoor Fun 

  • Dance party 
  • Building a fort – boxes, blankets 
  • Walk like an animal
  • slither like a snake
  • hop like a frog
  • gallop/horse
  • bear/all 4s tummy down
  • crab/all 4s tummy up

  On Line Resources 

  • Let's Move with Michelle Obama https://letsmove.obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/(Open external link) 
  • Yoga https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/yoga-for/kids(Open external link)
  • GoNoodle https://family.gonoodle.com/(Open external link) 
  • Energizers https://www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com/resource/energizers-for-schools/ 
  • Move to Improve https://www.weteachnyc.org/resources/collection/move-improve/(Open external link) 

   

  Preschool Students 

  Get Moving 

  • Take the stairs, not the elevator 
  • Walk around the block- play I spy while walking 
  • Run relays with siblings and/or caregivers 
  • Step on/off a step stool 
  • Place pillows on floor and have child walk on them

  Doing Other Activities 

  • Do puzzles or play with building blocks while squatting 
  • Read a book while lying on belly 
  • Do chores like setting/clearing the table, 

  Play Games 

  • Head, shoulders, knees, and toes 
  • Act out animal walks

  Outdoor Activities 

  • Visit the playground 
  • Play ball- catch, throw, kick
  • Push heavy items in a stroller/wagon

  Games You Can Play 

  • Simon says 
  • Scavenger hunt 
  • Bean bag or balloon toss
  • Hot potato 
  • Egg in spoon

  Outdoor Activities  

  • Play ball – bounce/catch 
  • Bubble play 
  • Wet sponge toss 

  Indoor Fun 

  • Obstacle courses around household items
  • Army crawl race for those that can get out of their chair.
  • Wheelchair(seated) Zumba: https://youtu.be/JqlRGLPlJ7A(Open external link) 
  • Inclusive yoga: https://youtu.be/5FxIbzvdBzA(Open external link) 
  • 8 minute wheel chair workout: https://youtu.be/q0ttPm8LSEk(Open external link) 
  • Wheelchair Boxing 10 minute Workout https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n76J1q6nZec(Open external link) 

   

  OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 

  Fine Motor, Visual Motor, and Perceptual Skills 

  Cutting Tips 

  • Bold the outline with a highlighter or marker.
  • Hold scissors and paper with “thumbs on top.” You can place a sticker on your child’s thumb nail as a reminder.
  • Begin first with cutting straight lines, then basic shapes, then complex shapes.
  • Use hand-over-hand assistance as needed.

  Gluing Tips 

  • When gluing, put the glue on the object being glued and NOT the paper.
  • Make a mark or draw a line as a visual of where the glue should go.
  • Try glue sticks for children with decreased strength.

  Pencil Grasp Tips 

  • Use broken crayons and short pencils to encourage an efficient grasp
  • Have your child hold a small coin or cotton ball with their pinky and ring fingers leaving only their ring finger, middle finger and thumb available to hold the pencil.

  Hand Strengthening Activities 

  • Hand weight bearing activities, such as wheelbarrow walks, crab walks, push-ups, and crawling.
  • Lego and Playdoh play: roll into balls, make a snake, press with stamps, hide and find pegs or beads, etc.
  • Pinch clothespins, paint with eyedroppers, & pick up items with tweezers.
  • Crafts, such as beading, lacing, ripping paper to make a collage, and hole punch activities.
  • Use a spray bottle to play in the bath, help with cleaning, etc.
  • For in-hand manipulation, place coins in a piggy bank or make your own with a coffee can with a slot in the top.

  Visual Skills Activities 

  • When reading use an index card or ruler to help isolate one line or word at a time.
  • Activities such as mazes, cryptograms, Dotto-Dot, word finds, puzzles, ball or balloon toss, etc.
  • To view more visual perceptual activities, visit the free website: eyecanlearn.com(Open external link) (Open external link)

  Writing Skills 

  Proper Posture When Writing on a Table Top 

  • Feet flat on the floor (A footstool or thick book can be placed under the feet to assist if feet do not reach the floor.) Sit upright in chair.
  • Wrist supported on table. Paper stabilized by nonwriting hand.

  Letter Formation 

  • When printing, prompt your child to use a top down formation: “Start at the top!”
  • Try this routine: You write the letter…Your child writes the letter…You write the letter…Your child writes the letter.

  Spacing 

  • Have child use their finger or a Popsicle stick after each word to create an appropriate space before beginning the next word.
  • Use graph paper to give a visual cue for spacing out words and letters.
  • There are many types of writing paper. Be sure to check with your child’s therapist on the best type of paper or strategy for your child.

  Letter and word placement 

  • Draw a green line along the left margin of the paper and a red line on the right to signal where to “start” and “stop.”
  • If your child has difficulty writing on the line, darken the baseline with a marker.
  • Use a highlighter to indicate where to write between lines.

  Typing 

  • To work on typing skills, visit one of the free websites below:
  • freetypinggame.net(Open external link)
  • funtotype.com(Open external link) (Open external link)
  • http://games.senselang.org(Open external link)
  • http://www.freetypinggaus/(Open external link) (Open external link)

  Practice Writing Skills 

  • Schedule a 10 minute interval daily to practice writing.
  • Encourage your child to write about a preferred topic of choice.
  • Help your child make greeting cards for family and friends.
  • Write a grocery list together.
  • Make lists: favorite TV programs, movies, things to pack before a trip.

  Self-Regulation and Sensory Processing 

  Self-regulation is the ability to control one’s thoughts, emotional responses, actions and level of alertness/attention. It can be influenced by several different factors including sensory processing. Sensory processing is how we process information from the world around us as well as what is going on inside of us to produce an appropriate behavioral response. 

  Calming Activities 

  • Play games that reinforce structure and require waiting/ turn-taking: red light green light, freeze dance, Simon says.
  • Yoga, meditation and belly breathing will help child develop better control of their physical body, thoughts, and emotional states. You can start by sitting still with eyes closed with a slow count of 5.
  • Routines, structure and clear expectations will help your child with selfcontrol. Review any changes to normal routine early.
  • Provide a quiet personal space for your child to calm. Relaxing music, a bean bag chair or soft pillows to burrow in may be helpful.
  • Encourage a variety of play/work positions such as standing, lying on the floor, kneeling.
  • Offer your child a chewy snack to provide organizing sensory input (i.e. Twizzlers, dried fruits, bagels, etc.).
  • “Heavy work” activities (carrying heavy items, push/pull activities, etc.)

  Energizing Activities 

  • Have your child jump on a mini-trampoline, perform jumping jacks or play hopscotch.
  • Push-ups on the floor or push-ups against the wall.
  • Organized sports activities- running, yoga, karate, gymnastics, bike riding.
  • Climbing on or hanging from playground equipment.
  • Eating crunchy foods (i.e. popcorn, pretzels, carrots, apples, etc.).
  • Play and dance to loud, fast-paced music.
  • Use toys that make noise or light up.

  Tips for Children with Tactile Sensitivities 

  • Gradually expose your child to different textures going from the least to most messy. (i.e. Play-doh is less messy than shaving cream or finger paints.)
  • Provide firm pressure rather than light touch when holding hands or giving hugs.
  • Make sure that blankets, pajamas and clothes are comfortable for the child as this may disrupt their sleep and other daily activities. (i.e. Cut out clothing tags if causing discomfort, wear socks inside out if irritating, etc.)
  • Use unscented laundry detergent.  

  Attention and Focus 

  Also refer to the Self-Regulation and Sensory Processing section; strategies may also result in improved attention and ability to focus. 

  • Choose a location in the home with minimal distractions when completing structured activities such as homework or studying.
  • Break down instructions into simple 1-2 step directions.
  • Have child repeat directions to reinforce understanding.
  • Use a visual timer to gradually increase attention to a non-preferred activity.
  • Allow your child to take short, intermittent movement breaks.
  • Use a reward chart with stickers or checkmarks to reinforce positive behaviors.

  Toilet Training 

  • Look for signs for readiness, like discomfort when wet or soiled or staying dry for several hours at a time.
  • Have your child wear easy to manage clothing (i.e. sweatpants).
  • Establish a schedule according to wetness pattern.
  • Toileting symbol may be helpful for requests.
  • Use charts for positive reinforcement and celebrate each success.

  Shoe Tying 

  • Children typically require demonstration, explanation, and lots of practice to master tying their shoes.
  • Remember there are two common methods for tying laces; the bunny ear approach using two loops, or the wrap-around technique, making one single loop then wrapping the other string around and tucking through. Try both and see what works best for your child.
  • Be sure laces are long enough so that your child can make large loops if needed.
  • Practicing knots on a jump rope or pipe cleaner can also make it easier and more fun.

  Dressing 

  • Practice dressing skills through pretend play with dress-up clothes or dolls.  
  • Help your child up until the very last step to allow him/her to successfully complete the dressing task. Do less and less as your child can do more and more. For example:
  • Assist with fastening the zipper but allow the child to pull it up.
  • Help your child put each leg into his/her pants but have your child pull his/her pants up independently.  
  • Insert a button halfway into the hole, but let your child pull it fully through.
  • Teach your child to locate the tag first to identify the front when putting on shirts or jackets.  

  Hand Washing 

  1. Use Soap
  2. Scrub palm to palm
  3. Scrub back of hands
  4. Wash between fingers
  5. Wash thumbs
  6. Scrub fingernails
  7. Wash wrists
  8. Rinse hands
  9. Dry Hands

   

  • IPS RELATED SERVICES(1).pdf

  Island Park Public Schools
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  Digital Learning During School Closure

  FRANCIS X. HEGARTY ELEMENTARY

  • FXH Class Directory

  LINCOLN ORENS MIDDLE SCHOOL

  • LOMS Class Directory

   

  Instructions for Connecting to i-Ready

  1. Log on to www.clever.com
  2. Click on Log in as a student
  3. Type in Francis X. Hegarty where it says, "Search for School."
  4. Click on where it says, "Log in with LDAP."
  5. Username - first initial of first name and last name (ex. Joe Smith = jsmith)
  6. Password- password you use to log into your school computer account
  7. Click log in
  8. Click on i-Ready icon
  9. Click on a subject

  Island Park Public Schools
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  Nassau County-LIPA Barrett Settlement Community Resource Page

  Thank you for joining representatives from Nassau County and the Long Island Power Authority for an informational meeting regarding the County-LIPA E.F. Barrett Power Plant settlement on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.

  This temporary website is a resource for Island Park residents to understand the potential impact of this settlement on the community.

  https://www.barrettsettlement.com/

  • NASSAU-LIPA Community Meeting.pdf

  Island Park Public Schools