In accordance with Fire Safety Month, the Deer Park Fire Department visited two Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School to teach students about fire safety and preparedness. Students at both schools were given the opportunity to sit in a fire truck and learn about the equipment that their local volunteers use to keep them safe.

 Date Added: 10/11/2024

Seven talented Deer Park High School student-musicians – William Fox, Dylan Girard, Nathalie Martillo, Gloria Min, Arielle Salgado, Sophia Sheeler and Lorelai Silverstein – were recently selected to participate in the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education’s High School All-County Festival in November. This prestigious NYSCAME event brings together outstanding student-musicians from across the county to perform together, showcasing their dedication and skill.

“We commend all seven students for their achievements and hard work, and we look forward to their performances with NYSCAME,” Fine and Performing Arts Director Bradley Murphy said. “Their commitment to music exemplifies the spirit of excellence we strive to cultivate in our Deer Park community.”

Among these exceptional students, Silverstein was also selected to participate in an All-State ensemble this December at the New York State School Music Association’s Winter Conference in Rochester.

“This is a remarkable achievement, highlighting Lorelai’s hard work and musical talent,” Murphy said. “Congratulations to all of our talented musicians!”

Date Added: 10/2/2024

Deer Park recently appointed Kimberly Connolly as its districtwide transition coordinator. Connolly has worked in the field of special education for over 25 years, beginning as a 1-1 aide in an inclusion classroom implementing ABA methodologies and in-home settings. She later served as the educational out-of-district liaison and interim assistant special education director for the North Shore Central School District, and most recently as the Committee on Special Education chairperson/program administrator for SCO Family of Services. She completed her undergraduate work at SUNY Old Westbury, majoring in psychology, and earned her master’s degree in school counseling and advanced certificate in educational leadership as a school district and school building leader at Long Island University.

“I have obtained valuable experiences through my diverse background and I am eager to apply my skills to developing this new role for our district,” Connolly said. “Transitioning from school to post-secondary life should be an exciting journey for every student. A successful transition process is based on the student’s strengths, preferences and interests, and requires collaboration between the school district, student, family and community agencies. Transition planning and services are designed to prepare a student with a disability to achieve his or her post-secondary goals related to living, learning and earning within the community. My focus is to create a positive legacy for our students’ future while ensuring the support and resources are effectively utilized. I am incredibly enthusiastic about joining this wonderful community and contributing to our shared successes.    

Date Added: 10/1/2024

Members of Deer Park High School's Patriot Club and Spanish Honor Society gathered on Sept. 20 at the Town of Babylon’s annual POW/MIA Vigil to honor the sacrifices of our veterans and remember those who remain unaccounted for. Students, veterans and town residents stood united, holding candles as a symbol of hope and remembrance, and student Sophia Sheeler sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The Deer Park students volunteered their time with the veterans and shared a commitment to honoring their legacy, fostering a sense of community and respect.

“Through this meaningful participation, our students not only demonstrated their patriotism, but also reinforced the importance of remembering those who have served,” social studies teacher and Patriot Club co-adviser Joe Alo said. “Deer Park will continue to play a big role in this event for years to come.”

Date Added: 10/1/2024

At the Deer Park School District’s Sept. 24 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent James Cummings and Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly presented two exceptional Deer Park High School students with special commendations for their positive contributions to society.

First, student Jaidyn Schabe was recognized for winning the Suffolk County Distinguished Youth Award Medal. Established in 2017, the award competition challenges Suffolk County’s youth to become more civically involved in their communities. The Medal is earned by participants through their hard work and dedication in accomplishing established goals in four program areas: volunteer service, personal development, exploration and physical fitness. Award levels are based on the number of areas that participants select as part of their individual challenge; Schabe earned the highest category, a gold medal.

Next, student Aiden Arifi was honored for his heroism as a lifeguard, saving a child in distress over the summer.

“Aiden jumped in with his training and saved the kid’s life,” Cummings said. “You never really know how you will react when put in such a situation, but this is a testament to Aiden’s character, his training and his confidence. You should be proud of yourself, Aiden.”   

“It is remarkable every time our students succeed and change lives,” Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott said. “I believe – and we all believe – that we should celebrate that in every way.”

Date Added: 9/26/2024