With the room brimming with families, staff and students, the district’s Dec. 8 board of education meeting became an evening of joyous recognition and shared celebration.
Garden City Park School and New Hyde Park Road School choir students, led by music teacher Calob Congdon, took to the stage to begin the meeting. They performed a festive rendition of “One Candle,” arranged by Andy Beck.
Following the choral performance, third graders from Girl Scout Troop 1559 spoke to members of the board of education regarding their proposal for the spring. Working on the Wonders of Water Program, the Girl Scouts have been learning why water is important, how it’s used and how to protect the planet. They shared water conservation facts and requested to hang posters and plant water-saving plants at all four schools, including milkweed, black-eyed Susan or cornflower. Following the Scouts’ presentation, the board approved their spring projects.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Morrison-Raptis honored retiree Jane Ruthkowski, principal of Manor Oaks School.
“Jane transformed Manor Oaks into a place where children feel seen, valued and proud to belong,” Dr. Morrison-Raptis said. “You can feel her spirit from the moment you walk through the doors. The red, black and yellow that pulse through the hallways aren’t just school colors; they are Jane’s signature, a reflection of her pride, her vision and her belief that every child deserves a joyful, unified school community.”
