A beautiful new chapter of communication and connection has been brought to the elementary playgrounds at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School. Rocco’s Voice for Autism, which was founded in 2017 by Sonny Spagnuolo, partnered with the Deer Park Special Education Parent Faculty Club to provide and install inclusive play communication boards to help children with autism to communicate their needs and develop social skills.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this special day for all of our elementary schools,” Principal Tammy Alcalde said at May Moore’s joyful June 4 ribbon cutting ceremony. “A big thank you again to Rocco’s Voice and the SEPFC for making this a reality for our students.” 

“We thank the SEPFC not only for their generous donation, but for their insight, initiative and unwavering dedication to our students,” Associate Principal Kimberly Essig said. “Their recognition of the need for communication boards on our elementary playgrounds was the spark that helped bring this vision to life. Their advocacy ensures that every child has a voice and we are so grateful for their partnership. This is more than a donation, it’s a celebration of what is possible when we come together for the benefit of every child.”

“We are super excited about this new addition to our playground,” JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli said. “The communication board will serve as an invaluable tool for many of our students.”

JFK introduced the communication boards to students across all grades on June 11 with a brief and engaging modeling session during recess, led by the school’s speech pathologists.

“The board is a really good idea, because if someone is hurt or having a bad day, they can let someone know,” JFK third grader Kristian Quintero said.

“Our students were enthusiastic and eager to explore how the board can enhance communication and inclusivity in their interactions,” JFK Associate Principal Jenny Dixon said. “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to bringing this initiative to life,” “We look forward to seeing the lasting positive impact it will have on our playground community, fostering meaningful connections and shared understanding among all students.”

Date Added: 7/3/2025

Deer Park’s three elementary schools celebrated moving up milestones in June, as fifth graders at JFK prepared for middle school and second graders at JQA and May Moore got ready to step up to third grade at JFK. 

Second graders at the primary schools proudly sang “JQA Forever” at JQA’s June 2 ceremony, and “Best Day of My Life” and “Shine” at May Moore’s event on June 4; both held outdoors; while at JFK’s June 23 ceremony in the school gym, the fifth-grade chorus kicked things off with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. At all three schools, awards and certificates were presented in front of the students’ proud families.

May Moore Principal Tammy Alcalde and JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli bid a fond farewell to their charges as they took one big step forward in their educational journeys.

“A heartfelt thank you to our students,” Alcalde said. “You've done such an amazing job this year, and you are more than ready for third grade. Continue to make us proud, boys and girls.”

“Thank you for sharing your children with us,” Molinelli told their parents. “It’s been a privilege to work by your side to mold these incredible minds and caring hearts.”

JFK Principal Kelly Benson congratulated her fifth graders as they walked off, while welcoming the graduating second graders who would be joining her at JFK come September.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome you to the John F. Kennedy family,” Benson told the youngsters. “You each bring something special – your ideas, your energy and your curiosity – and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you do here. Moving to a new school can feel like a big adventure, and it’s okay to feel a little nervous, but just remember, here at JFK, our Falcons don’t just fly, but we soar. As you get ready for third grade, come with an open mind and a brave heart. You're going to learn new things, make new friends and have so many exciting experiences. We’ll be ready to welcome you with open arms in September. Until then, congratulations on everything you have accomplished in second grade.”

Date Added: 6/24/2025

The Deer Park School District has been named a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation once again. For the past 26 years, the Best Communities designation has recognized outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders in prioritizing music education. Deer Park was one of only 69 Long Island school districts and 935 nationwide to earn NAMM’s distinction this year.

Date Added: 6/23/2025

The district held its annual Music Awards Night on June 2, celebrating the talent and dedication of its student musicians. The evening included recognition of Long Island String Festival, NYSCAME All-State, NYSSMA All-County and SCMEA All-County awards, as well as performances by Deer Park High School’s jazz ensemble, orchestra and Phoenix Club vocal ensemble and Robert Frost Middle School’s chamber orchestra and chamber choir, and a solo piano performance by student Nicholas Nappo. 

“Tonight was a powerful reminder of what music can do,” Director of Fine and Performing Arts Bradley Murphy said. “It brings people together, it inspires and it gives our students a voice. The level of talent and heart on that stage was incredible. I am so proud of our young musicians and deeply thankful for the teachers who nurture their creativity every day. This celebration truly shows how strong and vibrant music education is here in Deer Park.”

Date Added: 6/11/2025