Deer Park Recognizes Board
As part of Board Recognition Week, the community and district came together to thank Board members for their dedication to the schools and their students.
Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen began the ceremony by describing the extensive work that Board members complete and the amount of time they spend contributing to the educational system. She described these individuals as being more than volunteers, who treat their role on the Board as a second job.
Each school adopted a Board member and created personal tributes in recognition of his or her efforts. Students collaborated on and presented projects at the Board meeting, among which were iMovies, artwork, letters, interviews and musical performances.
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Mission Accomplished
Deer Park School District Operating with Maximum Efficiency
The district has successfully implemented components of its energy efficiency plan and the educational community is already benefitting, both financially and environmentally. To date, energy rebates have totaled $331,000 and the savings will continue to grow, while students and teachers are enjoying a more environmentally-sound workplace.
District administrators and the Board of Education partnered with leaders in the environmental technology solutions industry to develop a multiphase energy efficiency plan. “It has always been our goal to execute a comprehensive energy plan that would benefit our residents and the world,” explained Board of Education trustee and Energy Chairman Keith Rooney. “Through collaborative efforts we have accomplished this mission and have become a model for effective energy use in educational settings.”
Facility upgrades can be seen throughout the district. Highlights include boiler replacements and new piping at John F. Kennedy Intermediate and May Moore Elementary Schools, as well as advanced boiler control systems at all schools. These units work together, along with cogeneration units, to regulate temperatures throughout the buildings and save on heating costs. To reduce electric costs, lighting fixture retrofits were installed in all schools, as well as light occupancy sensors in all classrooms at the high school to monitor activity in the rooms and shut off lights when rooms become unoccupied. In addition, all of the schools were weatherized and Abraham Lincoln received new windows throughout the building for increased climate control.
“The inception and ultimate utilization of these upgrades illustrates the district’s dedication to improving our schools and students’ educational experience,” stated Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen. “As a result of our work, the district is able to save taxpayers money and re-appropriate funds to instructional and academic programs.”
The district’s Buildings and Grounds crew, led by Plant Facilities Administrator Kirk Gostkowski, began to implement these upgrades in the spring of 2011, and teams have worked throughout the summer to complete the majority of the projects. All work will be finished by the end of the fall:
Energy Management Systems
Heat Distribution Systems
Computer Power Management Systems
Water Conservation
Lighting Fixture Controls
Renewable Energy Systems
Univent Radiators
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| More energy and cost-efficient boilers were installed at John F. Kennedy Intermediate and May Moore Elementary Schools. |
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| Light occupancy sensors placed in Deer Park High School classrooms will eliminate excess electric costs. |
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| New weatherized windows line the Deer Park Abraham Lincoln School. |
BOE Meeting Focuses on Fundations
The Fundations program implemented in the district was spotlighted during a Board of Education meeting held at the May Moore Primary School. During the meeting, and with the help of their teachers, May Moore students from Patty Eysser’s first-grade class and Deana LaPlaca’s second-grade class provided an overview of the Fundations program and simulated several exercises they complete in their classrooms on a regular basis.
Fundations is a phonics and spelling program that focuses on skills such as print knowledge, alphabet awareness, phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, decoding, vocabulary, fluency, and spelling, with critical thinking, speaking, and listening skill components as well. Fundations activities are incorporated into language arts lessons daily for at least 30-40 minutes.
Partnering with members of the Board of Education and district administration, the students explained the five main components of being a successful reader and demonstrated the instructional tools being utilized during their spelling and reading lessons. The Board members and administrators had the opportunity to use the erasable writing boards included in the Fundations packages and learn about the owls that serve as visual learning tools during alphabet awareness lessons.
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Deer Park Unveils Energy Efficiency Plan Set to Save District Millions
The district, in partnership with the Long Island Power Authority, National Grid and Johnson Controls, has developed a comprehensive energy efficiency plan that will save the district money while simultaneously protecting the environment. Following an internal audit, district administrators and Buildings and Grounds team, the Energy Committee and the Board of Education worked to streamline proactive energy initiatives that would most benefit the school’s students and community.
These proactive measures, which will produce residual effects for the next eighteen years, will generate an annual energy savings of $555,000 with an approximate $23,000 reduction in operations and maintenance costs. As a result of the facility and infrastructure upgrades, the district will benefit from a positive cash flow of approximately $5.2 million over the next 18 years. To offset funding costs, the district has qualified for LIPA Energy Rebates totaling $86,000 and 52% School Building Aid Ratio.
In addition to the savings, the district’s green movement will also positively impact the environment. Through the more efficient use of resources, the district, in the first year, will save 311,960 gallons of gasoline, eliminate more than 1.3 million kilowatt hours, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 6 million pounds.
Through the collaborative efforts of the Deer Park educational community and energy experts, a proactive plan for the district has been created. Board of Education member and Energy Chairman Keith Rooney described the process and goals, stating, “We have used the past several years to assess the district’s energy use and subsequently created a proactive plan that will save money while creating more efficient buildings. Not only will our schools and community realize a reduction in costs, but we will also provide a cleaner environment for our students to learn in.”
The success of the energy plan was made possible due to a strong network of corporate partners. “LIPA is pleased to partner with the Deer Park School District, to give their students a more energy efficient and an environmentally responsible learning institution and will give them a first-hand look at what it means to be leaders in energy efficiency,” said LIPA Vice President of Environmental Affairs, Michael J. Deering “LIPA’s Efficiency Long Island program continues to provide all of our customers with incentives to reduce energy use, lower energy bills and make Long Island a cleaner and greener place to live.”
The district’s Buildings and Grounds crew will implement upgrades throughout the school year and aim to have all projects completed in a year and a half. Highlights of the district-wide energy efficiency plan include:
1. Replacement of inefficient lighting district-wide
2. Installation of lighting occupancy sensors district-wide
3. Improvement of the weatherization and insulation of all school buildings
4. Installation of an Energy Management System that controls all buildings, set points and schedules
5. Boiler replacements at JFK Intermediate and May Moore Elementary Schools
6. Window replacements at Lincoln Elementary School
7. Installation of computer management system to control all desktop computers district-wide
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The district announced its energy efficiency plan and was joined by energy experts who will assist the district in the implementation of and funding for the various projects. Pictured below (standing l-r): LIPA/National Grid Account Executive Rob Scipioni, Plant Facilities Administrator Kirk J. Gostkowski, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Marguerite Jimenez, LIPA Vice President of Environmental Affairs Michael Deering, Johnson Controls Account Executive Keely Braud and Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services Frank Caliguiri. (Seated l-r): Deer Park Board of Education Trustee Dennis Ryan, Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen, Board of Education President John Gouskos, Board of Education Trustee and Energy Chairman Keith Rooney, and Board of Education Trustee Donna Marie Elliott.
Students Receive Personal Technology for Advanced Learning
The district launched its fifth-grade one-on-one laptop program with the deployment of Apple MacBooks for every student. The innovative program, coined “Kristin Green Apple of Our Eye Initiative,” was dedicated in memory of Class of 2007 graduate Kristin Green and equips students with tools for 21st century learning.
John F. Kennedy Intermediate students, accompanied by an adult, arrived at their school and received a personal MacBook from fifth-grade teachers and district administrators. Students secured their laptops with protective covers for transport and everyday use and completed the registration process in the school’s computer lab. Apple employees were on hand to assist students with their initial log-in and reviewed the standard installed software. In addition, students received a MacBook gift bag complete with power charger, memory card and other computer accessories.
The next school day students brought their laptops to class and began using the technology to support academic research and lesson plans. Teachers tailored their lessons to create an interactive learning environment in all curricular areas. Students had the ability to solve math problems utilizing visual aids, create literary logs and explore multi-media presentations. To support the use of the laptops teachers combined instructional technology tools such as SMARTBoards and projectors to enhance learning.
Prior to introducing the program, all students and parents of fifth-graders were required to attend a training workshop facilitated by Apple professionals to review topics such as the Required Use Policy, MacBook Care and Internet Safety.
MacBook Memorial
Further demonstrating its strong commitment to providing students with the tools necessary for success, the district is launching its latest initiative in instructional technology with an Apple MacBook program designed for fifth-grade students. Beginning this school year students at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School will receive a personal MacBook, which will be used throughout the year to enhance curriculum and support lesson plans.
This program is dedicated to the memory of Deer Park School District Class of 2007 graduate Kristin Green and will be known as the “Kristin Green Apple of Our Eye Initiative.” Kristin, a valued employee of the Apple Company, was killed in a tragic car accident this past summer. An academic standout, Kristin’s passion for technology drove her success within the classroom and her career.
Prior to introducing the program to students, parents of all fifth-graders were required to attend a training workshop facilitated by Apple professionals to review topics such as the Required Use Policy, MacBook Care and Internet Safety. Students are expected to start using their MacBooks in October, after they complete classroom training sessions. During the school year, fifth-grade students will use their MacBooks to conduct research projects and educationally-directed assignments and to design interactive presentations.
Athletes See the Light!
School Officials Power HS Lights at Pep Rally to Kick Off
Homecoming Weekend
On Friday, October 23, under the night sky, Deer Park School District officials turned on the lights at Deer Park High School’s athletic field for the first time. It was all part of a “Friday Night Lights” Pep Rally to kick off Homecoming weekend and celebrate all of Deer Park’s athletic teams.
Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen introduced the Deer Park High School Women’s Chorus, who performed the National Anthem. Board of Education President Dennis Ryan thanked the community members who packed the stands for their ongoing support and demonstration of Falcon Pride, even sharing a conversation he had with former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley about how great a community Deer Park is.
The Board of Education also thanked Tanger Outlet Center and the Town of Babylon for their financial contributions that made the new lights possible. Tanger General Manager Curt Fickeisen was presented with a plaque and Town Supervisor Steve Bellone (who admitted he attended North Babylon Schools) was given a framed Deer Park Falcon jersey.
One by one, each Deer Park athletic team (Robert Frost MS, DPHS JV and DPHS Varsity) were introduced and marched around the track to great applause. It was a festive night that started what will be many exciting triumphs under the lights to come. In addition to providing Falcon fans with nighttime games, the lights will alleviate scheduling conflicts by extending the athletic day.
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District Continues to Optimize Schools’ Energy Use
School officials continue to research and implement initiatives to achieve energy conservation. Most recently, the district partnered with experts in the energy industry to further their “green” agenda for school facilities and community resources.
As a leader among school districts in the area of green initiatives, the Deer Park School District has already installed light sensors with automatic shutoff controls at the high school, with Robert Frost Middle School installation to be completed this spring. These sensors will conserve the use of light in these buildings, resulting in utility cost savings. The anticipated immediate savings will pay for the sensors within three months of their activation.
Cogeneration Units (Cogens) are being utilized throughout the schools, including two at the high school, one at the middle school, and one at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School. Cogens use natural gas to generate electricity and these units produce up to $120,000 per year savings for the district. In addition, high efficiency boilers were installed at the high school and have reduced the yearly bill by a substantial $350,000 dollars and achieved a 50% reduction in therm usage, otherwise known as units of heat.
Johnson Controls, a nationwide leader in optimizing energy use and providing solutions for plant facilities, is currently conducting an energy audit on the remaining school district building systems to determine other areas to be addressed to achieve even greater efficiency. Various components will be analyzed, including boiler controls, computer management systems, heating and ventilation systems, and solar panels and other options and ideas will be considered to reduce energy bills.
“We realize that in order to become a truly green environment, we must do our due diligence and review all of our school buildings,” said Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen. “The district is benefiting from the savings produced by our recent efforts in this area, and we will continue to explore new technologies to bring our facilities into the 21st Century for the benefit of our entire community.”
Deer Park Board of Education President Dennis Ryan, Board Trustee and Chairman of the district’s Energy Committee Keith Rooney and district administrators hosted representatives from National Grid, Clean Cities Coalition, and Engineered Energy Solutions to discuss the opportunities to further reduce costs at Deer Park schools through the implementation of natural gas buses. Various aspects of the project were highlighted, including installing a natural gas pumping station at the district’s transportation facility and converting the district’s bus fleet to natural gas. The first Long Island school district to convert to a completely ‘clean-air’ fleet of buses was the Long Beach City Schools in 2003. They purchased natural gas buses and retrofitted several existing buses with converters to run cleaner and more efficiently.
“We are already saving money through lower operational costs, which then allows us to redirect budgetary funds for educational programming,” said Mr. Rooney, who has spearheaded many of the district’s energy projects. “Our efforts, many of which have become realities thanks to the diligent work of Plant Facilities Administrator Kirk Gostkowski and his Buildings & Grounds crew, are also simultaneously supporting positive global change, while educating the students of Deer Park within an optimal environment.”
Eva Demyen Named Superintendent
The Deer Park Board of Education has unanimously appointed Eva J. Demyen as
the next Superintendent of Schools. Ms. Demyen has served as Deputy
Superintendent in charge of Curriculum and Instruction in Deer Park the last
three years.
As the chief curriculum leader for the district, Ms. Demyen oversaw the
entire K-12 program and supervised the intensive revamping of the curriculum
(across all disciplines and grade levels) to focus on the more rigorous New
York State core curriculum. She has worked collaboratively with principals,
teachers, and parents to redesign lesson plans, enhance instructional
techniques in the classroom, and institute a variety of other initiatives to
improve teaching and learning. As a result, student performance levels have
increased in ALL targeted areas.
“In conjunction with the community, my focus continues to be on providing
every student with exemplary programs within a safe, healthy, and nurturing
environment,” said Ms. Demyen. “It’s a shared vision that our students
achieve academic excellence, mastering those concepts, skills, and processes
that will enable them to become thoughtful, productive citizens in our
society. I look forward to the opportunity to improve upon the successes we
have achieved in recent years and thank the Board and Ms. Marino for their
confidence in me.”
In addition to enhancing the program, Ms. Demyen was instrumental in
devising a new organizational structure to provide stronger building-level
support to students – making administrative functions more instructional in
nature. She also led efforts to infuse more technology into the classroom,
as well as in operational areas such as the payroll department, student data
management, and parent notification. As Deputy to Superintendent Marino, she
has also been involved with managing several districtwide emergencies.
Prior to becoming Deputy Superintendent, Ms. Demyen served as Director of
Mathematics in the district, taking a student population with grade-level
passing rates below 55% and elevating them to passing percentages in the 80s
and 90s. As a chairperson at the high school, she was also instrumental in
establishing college-level and Advanced Placement courses. As a result,
there are now 18 AP courses at Deer Park High School, when there was once
none.
“When Betsy Marino announced her retirement, Eva was the first person that
came to mind,” declared Board of Education President Dennis Ryan. “Given her
successful track record here, her familiarity with the staff, program, and
the community, we expect a seamless transition. She is the logical choice
and most qualified to keep our district moving in a positive direction.”
Prior to working in Deer Park, Ms. Demyen headed the Department of
Mathematics and Science in the Valley Stream Central School District. She
also taught math at North Babylon High School, Bethpage High School, and
Holy Trinity High School during her 30+ years in education.
Deer Park Students Show Their Knowledge
District-wide Scores Rise; Double-Digit Gains in Many Areas
The Deer Park School District’s commitment to educational excellence can be seen in the latest New York State Assessment results. Deer Park student scores have improved, or remained at a high level, across the board in grades 3-8 on the 2008-2009 Math and English Language Arts (ELA) exams. Many of the impressive gains over the 2007-2008 school year can be attributed to the cooperative hard work and dedication of the district’s students, teachers and administration.
“Greater emphasis was placed on using individualized student reports and teacher reports,” said Deputy Superintendent Eva J. Demyen, who led the effort. “Curriculum was rewritten in both disciplines to strengthen student attention in areas where they showed prior deficiencies. The key was not to teach to the test, but to focus on New York State core curricula and use the best practices to deliver the concepts, skills and processes that are needed at that particular grade level.”
The district-wide effort has been implemented and its positive effects are already benefiting students and their academic careers. The following are the percentages of students meeting or exceeding the New York State standard by scoring in Levels 3 and 4 of the respective exams.
Grade Level ELA 07-08 ELA 08-09 Math 07-08 Math 08-09
3 83––––> 83 97––––> 98
4 75––––> 87 90––––> 90
5 83––––> 87 87––––> 93
6 80––––> 90 90––––> 93
7 72––––> 90 92––––> 97
8 61––––> 74 74––––> 94
“We are all very proud of our students and the fact that they are achieving a significantly higher level of success on these exams,” added Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth Marino. “It’s a testament to the many hours of staff and curriculum development our educators put in. Our goal is to continue to improve teaching and learning; so that we can be the best we can be and help the children of Deer Park achieve their full potential and exceed expectations.”
ntendent of Schools Elizabeth Marino, Board of Education President Dennis Ryan, Tanger at the Arches General Manager Curt Fickeisen, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Marguerite Jimenez, Varsity Football Coach Ron Langella, Booster Club President Fran Theiss, Athletic Director Anthony Amesti with Varsity Football players kneeling.
