In the wake of unspeakable acts of violence and an assassination attempt against a member of Congress, it is appropriate to remember the messages of peace and healing by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as we celebrate his birth and history.

"Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
 

Introducing the Parent Portal
 24/7 Online Access to Your Child's Student Data
Report cards - Test Results - Attendance -  and More! 
 
 On January 10, 2011, the Clarkstown Central School District piloted with Felix Festa Middle School the next generation in student data management, the Parent Portal. From a highly secure website, parents can gain access to their child's student records by logging onto the Portal from the District's website at http://www.ccsd.edu/parents.cfm?subpage=7025. At the first visit, parents can create a user account to facilitate access to the information. Read more about this 24/7 online access to your student's information and when it will be available to you at the Parent Portal web page.

From Laurel Plains to the New York State Assembly
 Kenneth Zebrowski Returns to Laurel Plains for His Official Swearing In Ceremony

Recently re-elected New York State Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski took the official oath of office at his old alma mater, Laurel Plains Elementary School, amid a host of dignitaries, school officials and Laurel Plains students and staff on Thursday, January 13, 2011.

He was honored with a speech from his former 6th grade teacher Ms. Terri Cafaro. Here is an excerpt of her remarks to the gathered crowd:

As proud as I am of Kenny for his achievements and his success as a New York State Assemblyman, none of that would have been possible if Kenney were not a kind, caring and compassionate human being...Because of his leadership, his integrity, his wisdom and his wit even as a 6th grader right here in Laurel Plains, he has shown all of us what we are all capable of. Kenny served as a role model when he was in Laurel Plains just by being a really nice person. Kenny did the right thing all of the time, even when no one was watching! Now he is able to use that compassion and that generous spirit helping those in his district as their Assemblyman.

Our thanks to Clarkstown graduate and Assemblyman Zebrowski for selecting Laurel Plains for the honor of hosting the ceremony. Our best to him as he continues his service to his constituents.