Determination, kindness and an ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances is what stands out about this year’s fifth grade class, explained Robyn Santiago, principal of Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School.

More than 220 students were recognized at moving-up ceremonies on June 22 and 23. The events were livestreamed so families could tune in to see students cross the stage and accept their promotion certificates. In September, they will begin a new chapter about a mile away at Edmund W. Miles Middle School. 

Ms. Santiago noted that students were introduced to many new terms over the past year that reflected the new normal. They made the best of every situation, she said, including their adjustment to the hybrid learning model.

“When I visited your classrooms, I saw in-person and remote students interacting with one another while working on a presentation, sharing ideas and learning together,” she said. “You have truly become 21st century learners.”

Interim Superintendent Dr. Edward Fale encouraged students to set high goals for themselves and take advantage of expanded opportunities in middle school, like extracurricular activities and sports. 

“This is going to be an extremely exciting opportunity for you to excel and become involved,” he said. 

Each class came into the auditorium as music teachers played “Pomp and Circumstance.” Teachers called the names of their graduates, and students stopped in the middle of the stage to wave to the camera and acknowledge their families watching at home before exchanging pandemic-appropriate elbow bumps with administrators. Assistant Principal Joshua Atlas announced the recipients of several awards including the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, President’s Award for Educational Achievement and Suffolk County Public Service Award. 

With three state titles as a high school basketball player and several years on an NBA coaching staff, Jason Fraser had a lot to talk about as he met virtually with students at Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School on June 10. But the most important messages were about getting a good education and having a positive attitude.

Mr. Fraser was the latest Amityville alumnus to share his success story with Park Avenue students and to offer words of encouragement and motivation. In speaking with third graders, he discussed his childhood in Amityville and how his love of basketball developed. Students were excited to hear that they play at the same parks where he transformed into one of the top high school players in the country.  

He graduated from Amityville Memorial High School in 2002, where he won three state championships as a member of the varsity basketball team, before playing for Villanova University. Later, Mr. Fraser became an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns and is now the assistant athletic director at Skyline Preparatory High School in Phoenix. This year, he was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame.
 
Mr. Fraser emphasized the value of hard work, determination and good character. Recalling a story of people doubting his own chances for future success, he reminded students that they are in control of their own destiny. The videoconference ended with a question-and-answer session. 
 
In April, 1999 Amityville Memorial High School graduate Raj Parekh, the acting United States attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, spoke with Park Avenue students, followed in May by former NFL player Darrel Young, from the Class of 2005.

The Board of Education of the Amityville Union Free School District recognized nearly 40 staff members who are either retiring or have achieved a milestone level of service to the district. Staff Recognition Night, which was held on June 9, is an annual tradition to honor administrators, teachers and support staff for their dedication to Amityville’s students. 

Retirees include teachers Joan Peshler, Elbert Platt, Christine Quigley, Laurette Roddin, Deborah Ross and Susan Rutigliano; teacher assistants Susan McDougall, Alfreta Lidge, Patricia Monaco, Kathleen Rousseau and Yuko Suzuki; custodians James Carrington, Bernard Ricks, Anthony Tolliver and George Williams; and clerical staff Barbara Miller and Karen Petermann.

Several staff members were also recognized for milestone service anniversaries with the district.

20 years: Mary Abbruscato, Nicole Altamura, Daren Aversa, Michelle Eastwood, Steven Gafarian, Selina Gibbons, Francine John, Ronnie Johns, Mary-Ellen Loiacono, Joan Peshler, Susan Rutigliano, Lauren James Seubert, Diane Stokes and Colleen Vanni.

25 years: Sherefer Arrington, Angela Gibson, Adriana Gray, Michael Greco, William Maisel and Sikes Reese.

30 years: Donnell Lewis, Karen Petermann, Deborah Ross, Steve Wexler and Gail Wittke.

The Board of Education also presented a certificate of recognition to boys cross country coach Stephanie Barnes, who was named the League 7 Coach of the Year by the Suffolk County Track and Field Coaches Association. 

With the transition to middle school just a few months away for fifth graders in Amityville, they got some help from their peers who know the lay of the land. Members of the National Junior Honor Society at Edmund W. Miles Middle School spearheaded a “Virtual Transition to Middle School” workshop for fifth graders at Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School.

Honor Society members, under the direction of adviser Carlee Brunson, created a presentation that included a picture tour of the middle school, a guide to block scheduling and the advisory period, and information about clubs and sports. They also discussed the expectations of middle school, the differences between elementary and middle school, requirements for NJHS and staff members they can turn to for support. The virtual program concluded with a question and answer session.

Noted Park Avenue guidance counselor Kim Balducci, “Although our fifth graders can't visit the middle school this year, we brought the middle school to them.”