The Island Park Public Schools welcomed new teachers as the staff at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School and Lincoln Orens Middle School prepared to open their doors to students. The district informed its newest team members about procedures, programs and goals during an orientation event held on Sept. 2.
The new faculty members were briefed on Island Park’s practices and policies for safe and positive learning environments, particularly the measures that have been implemented in light of the pandemic. They were greeted by Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Vincent Randazzo and Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Alison Offerman-Celentano, as well as other administrators. They also met with their mentors and attended various presentations.
The district is pleased to introduce the following new employees:
Erika Krieger, Physical Education Teacher
Ms. Krieger comes to Island Park with a decade of teaching experience in a range of grade levels. She most recently taught in the West Hempstead Union Free School District and has coached multiple sports over the course of her career. She received her Master’s Degree from Hofstra University and Bachelor’s Degree from LIU Post.
Julie Costanzo, LOMS ENL Teacher
Ms. Costanzo served as an ENL teacher and ELL coordinator for the New York City Department of Education for the last five years, prior to which she taught fifth and first grade general education classes. She is skilled in the Columbia University Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Workshop Model. She holds a Master of Science Degree from Molloy College and a Bachelor of Science Degree from St. John’s University.
Jaclyn Russo, FXH Speech Teacher
Ms. Russo joins Island Park from the New York City Department of Education, where she was a speech-language pathologist for the past several years. She holds a Master of Science Degree from Adelphi University and a Bachelor of Science Degree from SUNY New Paltz.
Gabriella Ferro, LOMS Leave Replacement School Psychologist
Ms. Ferro previously worked as an intern in both the Central Islip Union Free School District and the Brentwood Union Free School District, where she honed her experience in school psychology. She obtained her Master of Science Degree from CUNY Queens College and her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Stony Brook University.
Alison Hill, LOMS Art Teacher
Ms. Hill previously taught art in the West Babylon Union Free School District and the North Bellmore Public Schools. She attained her Master of Arts Degree from Hofstra University and Bachelor of Arts Degree from Queens College. She knows the Island Park community well and worked in the district as a substitute teacher earlier in her career.
Stacey Shurgin, Personnel Clerk (Administration Office)
Ms. Shurgin comes to the district with many years of clerical and management experience. She most recently worked at JND Legal Administration as a customer service representative, prior to which she was a client service coordinator at Banfield Pet Hospital. She has a Master’s Degree from Hofstra University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Molloy College. She additionally holds a paralegal certificate.
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