Island Park Public Schools

News & Announcements

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  LIPA-Northport/E Northport Settlement Announced in Newsday

  It has been reported in Newsday that the Northport/ East Northport school district has apparently authorized a settlement in principle with LIPA. We are greatly disappointed that they have apparently given up the fight in Court against LIPA without consulting with the Island Park school board and the other stakeholders who have jointly resisted LIPA’s efforts to decimate our tax base. We plan on attending the public hearing Northport is scheduling next week on the proposed settlement and will make our views known. [See: https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/lipa-northport-tax-settlement-1.46565390?fbclid=IwAR1RjeOR7zywy0s3kcbGZQNFZiQF_4kd9NBK7j4BiXrQQ0R5FM71zvuwqaA].

  Island Park Public Schools
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  BOE Reorganizational and Regular Business Meetings

  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, and 202.38 the Board of Education of the Island Park Union Free School District will hold its’s Reorganizational and Regular Business Meetings on July 14, 2020 at 5 pm at the LOMS Auditorium remotely by video-conference and/or telephone conference and the public will not be permitted to attend the meeting in-person. It is anticipated that at 5 pm, the Board will make a motion for the purpose of adjourning into Executive Session. No formal action will be taken at this meeting.

  The Board will reconvene in public session at 7:00 pm. 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 addressee 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

   

  Meeting Information

  Meeting link:
  https://islandparkschools.webex.com/islandparkschools/j.php?MTID=ma75a9edfa67664784710783235c712ee

  
  Meeting number: 132 632 0732
  Password: ynEGYARX563
  Host key: 343763

  More ways to join

  Join by video system

  Dial 1326320732@islandparkschools.webex.com

  You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.

  Join by phone

  +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll

  Access code: 132 632 0732

  Island Park Public Schools
• featured post

  BOE Reorganizational and Regular Business Meetings

  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, and 202.38 the Board of Education of the Island Park Union Free School District will hold its’s Reorganizational and Regular Business Meetings on July 14, 2020 at
  5 pm at the LOMS Auditorium remotely by video-conference and/or telephone conference and the public will not be permitted to attend the meeting in-person. It is anticipated that at 5 pm, the Board will make a motion for the purpose of adjourning into Executive Session. No formal action will be taken at this meeting.

  The Board will reconvene in public session at 7:00 pm. 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 addressee 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

  Island Park Public Schools
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  Reopening Playgrounds

  On Monday, July 6^th, the District will be reopening its playgrounds and athletic fields at the Francis X. Hegarty and Lincoln Orens Middle Schools for community use from 8AM to 9PM each day. Community members may enter the playgrounds and athletic fields from the following entrances:

  Francis X. Hegarty- Deal Rd. Entrance and Warwick Rd. Entrance

  Lincoln  Orens Middle School- Audubon Blvd Pre-Kindergarten Playground Entrance, Trafalgar Blvd Parking Lot Entrance, and Baseball Field Entrance

  Community members using our playgrounds and athletic fields are reminded that:

  ·         They use our playgrounds and athletic fields at their own risk and understand and accept the risks due to COVID-19.

  ·         Children using the playground structures and athletic fields should be supervised by adults to ensure physical distancing measures are being met.

  ·         Children and adults should wear face coverings.  

  ·         Children and adults should wash their hands with soap and water or sanitizer before and after using playground equipment.

  Island Park Public Schools
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  Child Care for First Responders & Health Care Workers

  IPS will continue its participation 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 from July 1 through August 31, 2020 and it 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

  Island Park Public Schools
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  Grab & Go Meals for Eligible Families

  Beginning July 1 through August 31, 2020 Island Park Schools is participating in the free Grab & Go Meal Program at:

  St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church
  721 West Broadway
  Long Beach NY

  Island Park Public Schools
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  Budget Has Passed

  Thank you to the Island Park School Community!!! 

  The Budget Has Passed. Thank You.

  Yes-676

  No-522

  El presupuesto ha sido aprobado. Gracias.

  Sí-676

  No-522

  Congratulations to Board of Education member Jack Vobis who received 943 votes and was re-elected.

  Felicitaciones a los miembros de la Junta de Educación Jack Vobis que fueron 943 elegidos o reelegidos.

   

  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

  See: Cards...

  Island Park Public Schools
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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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  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