The Spring Concert series at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, held on May 7-8, proved to be a special one this year. Over the past year, the school has seen two outstanding music educators retire, Orchestra Director Kathy Attard in December and Fifth-Grade Band Director Louis Nicolosi last June. The concerts began with JFK’s newest music teacher, Kelly Policastro, leading the orchestra.  

“Kelly had big shoes to fill after saying goodbye to Mrs. Attard, but what a wonderful job she did,” Chorus Director Kristen Lombardo said. “She took over the program mid-year and her students flawlessly transitioned with her. She is a welcomed addition to our music staff.”

The concerts were nonetheless bittersweet. One more retiree, Band Director Gregg Romano, had his last concert after 24 years of service. This year, Romano had taken over the entire band program, after previously sharing it with Nicolosi.   

“Deer Park and JFK have been such a significant part of my teaching career,” Romano said. “I want to thank the administrators, my colleagues and the students for all of the wonderful memories I will carry with me forever. My very best wishes to you all for much success and joy.”

Date Added: 5/13/2025

Students in the Falcon Friends Club at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School worked on a lovely Positivity Garden project this spring. They were given a banner, created by teacher Samantha Racano, and filled in all the flower petals with positive words. They also created decorative “rocks of encouragement” by painting meaningful words and phrases on the rocks. 

Run by music teachers Briana Fayans, Kristen Lombardo and Theresa Santa Maria, the Falcon Friends Club encourages socialization while doing fun projects together, building teamwork and fostering new friendships.   

“The Positivity Garden now resides in a showcase at JFK, meant to bring smiles to all who pass by,” Lombardo said. 

Date Added: 5/5/2025

During March, students and staff at Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School and John F. Kennedy Intermediate School teamed up once again to collect and donate Play-Doh to the children at Northwell Health’s Cohen Children’s Medical Center. Following last year's successful initiative, over 1,000 cans of Play-Doh were donated. Play-Doh is often used therapeutically in hospitals to offer comfort, provide a creative outlet for expression and serve as a distraction during challenging times. 

“We are grateful to the students and families in the Deer Park community who donated to this wonderful cause,” teachers Kristen Alo and Kathryn Outcault said. “Thank you for helping to make a difference.”

Date Added: 4/16/2025

JFK held another wonderful evening Camp Read Away in the school gymnasium as part of READ Month in March. Many teachers demonstrated their love of reading while spending time with students reading books in tents, visiting the star lab, and playing camping games.

Date Added: 4/9/2025

John F. Kennedy Intermediate School recently hosted a blood drive. In an important display of caring, JFK staff members came together with the community to donate 50 pints of blood for the New York Blood Center.  

Date Added: 3/27/2025