It was a night of celebration at Manor Oaks School as the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park Union Free School District honored retirees, new staff, tenure recipients and the accomplishments of students at the board of education meeting on June 12.
The meeting began with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Morrison-Raptis highlighting districtwide points of pride from the 2022-23 school year, such as being a member of the League of Innovative Schools, one of the Best Communities for Music Education in the country and new playgrounds at each building, among other accomplishments and awards.
The staff recognitions kicked off with Garden City Park School third grade teacher Laurie Francis and New Hyde Park Road School fifth grade teacher Katie Montagano, who were each congratulated for 25 years of service to the district. Then, the retirees were commemorated. They are: Olinda Alves, teacher aide; Eileen Bileski, clerical; Marylou Caruana, door monitor; Patrick Casey, head custodian; Carol Gonzalez, teacher aide; Carolyn Goodman, music teacher; Ann Inguanta, teacher aide; Katie Kane, teacher; Lisa Key, cafeteria monitor; Patti Maguire, special education teacher; Emma Marini, cafeteria door monitor; Elaine McQuade, special education teacher; Nick Mercurio, physical education teacher; Barbara Nelson, librarian; Fran Pehr, teacher aide; Shirley Shing, computer aide; Sue Sparto, special education teacher; and James Svendsen, director of curriculum.
Then, Dr. Morrison-Raptis recognized two staff members for receiving tenure: Manor Oaks School Principal Jane Ruthkowski and Garden City Park School reading teacher John Hoffman.
Following the tenure recognitions, the district’s Mathletes were honored for their participation in the 2023 New York Statewide Elementary Mathematics Tournament on May 20. The students are Hillside Grade School fifth graders Austin Fang, Claire Fang and
Surie Sicat, and Manor Oaks School fourth graders Muhammad Najam, Ethan Tsui and Isabelle Wong. They were joined by district Mathletes teacher Tammie Svendsen.
New staff was also recognized during the meeting. The district formally appointed and welcomed new Garden City Park School Principal Areyana Schmitt; new Hillside Grade School and Manor Oaks School Assistant Principal Meaghann Tedesco; and teachers Jenna Loughran, Kathryn Napolitano, Gabrielle Sanft and Lindsay Tengco.
