Hi Everyone,
There are so many great things happening all around us. I want to thank our administration, teachers and students who are providing a continuity that is remarkable and such a benefit to our school system.
Student Performance In & Out of Class:
I have received compliments from so many different people, from elected officials to members of the media, about the successes our students are realizing. They all feel the positive change our children have inspired. I have always been proud of our students, and I beam with even greater pride when I receive compliments from people outside of the Deer Park school community. I’m speaking not only of academic accomplishments, but also the quality of character demonstrated; from their participation in activities that help others less fortunate in our community, to the manner in which they embrace their teachers and peers on a daily basis in a mature, accepting fashion that sets an example for all. I urge our students to continue this positive attitude and ask parents and teachers to continue their support.
Congratulations to all of our athletic teams who have made our community proud through hard work and dedication. We had 11 teams recognized as Scholar-Athlete teams this fall alone, with a cumulative average of 90 or greater. Four of our teams were also recognized for sportsmanship. This is quite a remarkable feat. I also wish to thank the teachers, coaches, and again our parents, for making this a reality. Winter athletics are in full swing so let’s make sure we pack the house at our home games. Go Falcons!
I hope you all cheered on the Deer Park High School News 12 Long Island Challenge team, as well. They defeated East Islip High School in a February 8th telecast of this academic quiz show.
Our Fine and Performing Arts season is in full swing and our students’ talents are truly remarkable. The winter concerts were unbelievable and we welcome all residents to attend upcoming student performances for a night out filled with great entertainment! The high school theater department’s winter play, a rendition of High School Musical, is scheduled for March 12, 13 and 14. Our young entertainers are working hard and a full house is a great way to show your support.
Initiatives Around the District:
Website: The new Deer Park School District website has been launched and we are very happy with its ease of use and look. I believe you will be too. The new site will link to the Board of Education website. The online parent portal, Infinite Campus, is also being rolled out. Please sign up and familiarize yourself with the new program.
Facilities: New gym bleachers at Robert Frost Middle School are scheduled to be installed in the Spring. We will also upgrade the Frost gym by resurfacing and relining the floor, upgrading the lights and repainting the entire facility. At Deer Park High School, both girls and boys team locker rooms are scheduled for renovation by July 2009. Two new science labs will also be completed in the summer of 2009.
Our District recently received a $125,000 donation from Tanger Outlets Center, in conjunction with the Town of Babylon to purchase lighting at our High School Athletic Field. This donation is greatly appreciated and is a good start to what I believe can be a wonderful community partnership. I will keep you posted on this.
Lean and Green:
Our energy initiative is still moving along. The installation of automatic light sensors continues in our buildings. This is saving us tax dollars and lowering our energy consumption. The Board is also exploring the idea of converting our fleet of buses over to natural gas. We have a considerable amount of research to conduct to determine whether this is feasible and if it can be achieved without affecting the budget or the taxpayers. To date, all of our energy initiatives have not cost the District (or our taxpayers) a single penny. We will continue to push our legislators to help assist us with this cause.
Budget Development: The 2009/2010 budget development process is underway. We are meeting regularly in the boardroom (at District Offices) and you are all welcome to attend those meetings. We as a Board of Education began bracing for the state’s fiscal crisis two years ago and believe our District is in a fine financial position. However, we must continue to tighten up the belts and these budget development meetings will lead us there.
Again, your input is valuable to us. We urge you to attend our meetings, write your local legislators and become involved as we continue to shape and improve the Deer Park School District for this generation and those to come. Please feel free to contact me.
Thank you and God Bless,
Dennis P. Ryan, President
Deer Park Board of Education
(631) 274-8891/ Ryan.D@Deerparkschools.org
