It was another great summer musical theater camp for incoming second and third graders at Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School. Guided by music teachers, the students participated in a weeklong camp where they learned a show and about theater, wrote their own lines, and then performed the show for their families.  

“The kids did an absolutely amazing job,” teacher Diana Cotrone said. “The talent that these students have is impressive and we are grateful to have them as part of our program. I hope they all continue to participate in the performing arts.

Date Added: 7/21/2025

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

At the Deer Park Board of Education’s July 1 annual reorganization meeting, Donna Marie Elliott was reelected to her seventh consecutive term as president, while Kristine Rosales was named to her sixth term as vice president. Elliott and Rosales, along with new trustee Grace Heyne, reelected trustee Jerry Jean-Pierre, Superintendent James Cummings and District Clerk Lisa Brennan, were sworn in during the board meeting.

Date Added: 7/2/2025

Robert Frost Middle School held its moving-up ceremony on June 24, honoring the school’s eighth graders who had achieved graduation and were ready to make the jump to high school this fall. 

After National Junior Honor Society President Avery Freda led the Pledge of Allegiance, Student Council President Emily Hofacker addressed and congratulated her classmates to the cheers of proud families gathered in the gymnasium bleachers.

Student awards and graduation certificates were handed out by Principal Dr. Eliana Levey, Associate Principal James Henry and Associate Principal Kevin Quirk before Levey presented the audience with the future Deer Park High School Class of 2029.

Date Added: 7/1/2025