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October 8, 2021 | Issue No. 3 |
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A Message from Superintendent Dr. Edward A. Salina, Jr.
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As the leaves fall and the temperature drops, we settle back into the routines of the new school year at Plainedge. I am reminded of how much we have to look forward to in the upcoming months. This feeling brings an F. Scott Fitzgerald quote to mind, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” Despite autumn being symbolic of an end to things, this season commences many opportunities for learning, growth, celebration, and community at Plainedge.
Beginning with Homecoming, the many long-held traditions that precede this annual event instill that sense of community in students and educators alike; because they require cooperation, mutual respect, and a celebration of Plainedge’s Core Values. Seeing the four homecoming banners that our creative students spent many hours painting and collaborating on with our faculty is very meaningful to me as an administrator. Perhaps these moments seeing students return to normalcy are extra impactful this year since last year, our Homecoming was impacted by the pandemic and was delayed until the spring.
I also feel the excitement in the air at each of the five schools surrounding their upcoming art shows, musical performances, and drama productions. Overhearing snippets of the rehearsals being conducted by Plainedge High School (PHS) music teacher, Peter Lakes, has us on the edge of our seats awaiting opening night of “Lend Me a Tenor.” Prior to that occurring, we will have the pleasure of seeing what our student artists have been working on at the District Art Show being held at the Brian Moore Athletic Center on November 9th at 7 PM.
Skipping ahead to the first week in December, I am excited to know that we will be represented at the NYSSMA All-State Conference being held in Rochester, NY - #PlainedgePride! We announced earlier in the year that PHS’s own Shane Mosia was invited to perform at the NYSSMA All-State Conference and Kayla Eng, Cody Kanyaro, and Kyle Kavully were invited to attend as alternates. We could not be happier to celebrate their success!
It seems as though no matter which way you look, Plainedge students and faculty are striving towards a common goal of achieving excellence and normalcy, which is always our primary goal as educators and administrators. May we continue to sow our seeds as educators and reap the harvest of our children’s hard work because #WeArePlainedge!
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Special Education in Plainedge |
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School psychologist, Ms. Kimberly Katz helps us understand the dynamic between elementary school psychologists and their students, as well as the motivation they utilize to successfully develop a whole child: mainly by working as a team. |
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It’s beginning to look a lot like…HOMECOMING! Saturday, October 9th is just around the corner. Gates open at 1 PM and kickoff for the game vs. Bethpage is at 2 PM. This is one of our favorite Plainedge traditions. We can’t wait to see each of the four classes’ finished banners! |
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Plainedge Music Department: Arts in Education |
PHS Music Department teachers help us understand why music plays such an integral role in the social, emotional and academic development of a student both before and after graduation. |
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Introducing our New Athletic Director: TJ Burke |
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Plainedge Public Schools offers a warm welcome to our new Director of Health, Physical Education & Athletics, Mr. T.J. Burke.
Mr. Burke was approved by the Board of Education on June 10th to begin his tenure in this role on July 1st. Mr. Burke joins us after successfully dedicating eight years in the same role at the Sewanhaka School District at New Hyde Park Memorial High School.
In the process of appointing our new athletic director, we sought out a candidate who not only possessed athletic director experience, but who also had meaningful coaching experience, a proven passion for working with students, and building-level administrative experience. Perhaps one of the most valuable assets that Mr. Burke brings to our team is his marked interest in promoting equality in school sports.
“I have always focused on treating all sports with the same importance because I believe that is how we thrive as a community. We sometimes see certain sports gain more publicity because the teams may be bigger, but every other sport is just as important to each individual that participates,” Mr. Burke said. “I believe in education and opportunity for ALL. I look forward to bringing programs to Plainedge that will promote awareness and inclusion, such as Challenger and Unified Sports, that work closely with Special Olympics.”
We are confident that Mr. Burke will continue to both strengthen and expand the impact of our health, physical education and athletic programs, while making us #PlainedgeProud in the process.
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Meet a Board Member: Jennifer Maggio |
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Mrs. Maggio has been a Plainedge resident for eight years. She has three daughters, one attends Plainedge Middle School, and two attend Eastplain Elementary School. She is a 20-year veteran in the field of education - first as a classroom teacher and now as a literacy specialist. Mrs. Maggio is excited to serve this strong community that puts children first. |
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Teacher Spotlight: Dr. Eileen Santoro
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Dr. Eileen Santoro began her career in education over a decade ago in a private school teaching fourth grade. Shortly after her private school experience, she was hired in Plainedge as a resident substitute teacher and in short time earned a position as a full-time third grade teacher. Throughout her tenure in Plainedge, Dr. Santoro has taught kindergarten enrichment, first grade, fourth grade, fifth grade math and science, sixth grade ELA, academic intervention services, and school wide enrichment. She has been lucky enough to work in our middle school as well as all three elementary schools. In addition to traveling around to various schools within Plainedge, Dr. Santoro also holds multiple NYS teacher certifications including Elementary School teacher, Library Media Specialist, Early Childhood Education, and Students with Disabilities. While working as an educator in all of her diverse classroom experiences, Dr. Santoro also successfully defended her dissertation on the importance of Achievement and 21st Century Skills in Elementary School Students. Over the last two school years, Dr. Santoro has had the pleasure of working within our District's highly touted STEAM Program as a STEAM Specialist in our Eastplain Elementary School.
Dr. Santoro has a very rich educational background as well as a love of learning and teaching. When asked about her diverse teaching experiences, Dr. Santoro responded, “I am thrilled to work with all elementary grade levels and abilities and to be part of such an exciting and evolving program.” Outside of school, Dr. Santoro spends time with her two beautiful daughters, husband, and two puppies. She loves exploring the outdoors and being active in the community.
When asked to reflect on her time in Plainedge, Dr. Santoro offered, “Plainedge is such a special place, and I couldn’t think of a better environment to continue my teaching career. I’m so fortunate to work with some of the best educators and the most caring people.”
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Can we reply to this Plainedge Now email? |
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The quick answer is no. It is important to note that when we send out The Plainedge Now e-newsletter, responses are not monitored and are not replied to. If you have any school-related questions, please contact the district office at 516-992-7450. #WeArePlainedge |
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