James A. Dever School Events

The Great Greek Debates

Sixth-grade students enrolled in James A. Dever and Howell Road Schools’ Gifted and Talented Program recently took part in a very interesting and academically enriching activity that has become an annual tradition – The Greek Debates.
During the event, each student assumed a classic role of a Greek god or goddess in order to take over as ruler of Olympus because Zeus announced his retirement without naming a successor. As the debates unfolded, each character had the opportunity to present his or her case to the mortals of Greece (the class parents) who cast their vote for the most deserving candidate.
In preparation for the event, each deity prepared and memorized an original persuasive essay, defending his or her character, created a campaign poster, and submitted a resume highlighting lineage, skills, and achievements. This was the first year that the students from both James A. Dever and Howell Road participated in the debates simultaneously.
At the conclusion of the debates, Aphrodite (portrayed by Emily Parini) was declared the winner of the thunderbolt to rule for all eternity. While the Goddess of Love won the prize, all of the students walked away with a rewarding experience.

Diving Into Reading

The James A. Dever PTA's PARP (Parents As Reading Partners) Committee chose “Dive into Reading” as the theme for this year's program. As a kick off to the program and to help increase interest in participating in the reading event, the school’s PARP Committee sponsored “Long Island Sound Day” at Dever.
“Long Island Sound Day” included three assembly programs, presented by Jim Paul (an educator from the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium), about the animals that live in the Long Island Sound, their habitats, and the pollution of the Sound. Then in 50-minute blocks, the classes rotated through a variety of stations, including touch tanks with live tidal-pool animals such as horseshoe crabs, mud snails, whelks and their egg cases, hermit crabs, sponges, clams, mussels, oysters, green crabs, and rock crabs; and interactive, non-living stations about whales, sharks, turtles and fish.
The students thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the day and were provided with recommended book lists for continued learning.

Music Notes

Whether it is during their school concerts or volunteering to perform for local organizations, District Thirteen’s talented student-musicians are always eager to share their talents with audiences. Recently the students showcased their talents during this year’s winter holiday concerts. Under the baton of their music instructors, the students in the schools’ bands, orchestras, and choral groups had their audiences tapping along to the catchy tunes and left them looking forward to celebrating the holiday season with their family and friends.
In addition to performing in their schools’ ensembles, 49 of the district’s student-musicians were recently selected to perform during the All-County Music Festivals in January. These students were chosen to be part of the Division I West (fifth grade) and Division II (sixth grade) Festivals at the Tilles Center, C.W. Post Campus.
Congratulations to the following students:

Howell Road School
Jessica Bonitto
Nia Brockington
Sahrina Bullock
Dylan Feliu
Gianna Filippi
Ryan Forbes
Tyesha Irving
Esther Nozea
Joshua Ochi
Andrew Ouro-Rodrigues
Anastacia Pereira
Teresa Peterson
Elizabeth Philips
Dorothy Pierre
Nia Shy
Jarred Times

James A. Dever
Alina Castelluzzo
Dominick DelCarpine
Kaitlyn Duncan
Kyra Forbes
Lauren Fornells
Morgan Foster
William Freeman
Jaclyn Hawkins
Riya Kaur
James Maloney
Amanda Madray
Erin Morrissey
Emily Parini

Wheeler Avenue School
Anaele Bloncourt
Jonathan Chen
Isabella Gandasegui
Nicholas Kerner
Maria Mayorga
Erin Milano
William O'Brien
Daniel Sanky
Hayley Sturek
Julian Tineo

Willow Road School
Julia Cincotta
Danielle Dercola
Rose Diolallevi
Jessica DiSibio
Thomas Elbert
Nicole Giannasco
Ginamarie Lopez
Gina Maniscalco
Tara Meehan
Nicholas Sossi Romano

Winter Concerts Spread Holiday Joy

The district’s talented student-musicians performed several holiday favorites during this year’s winter holiday concerts. Under the baton of their music instructors, the students in the schools’ bands, orchestras, and choral groups had the audience tapping along to the catchy tunes and left them looking forward to celebrating the holiday season with their family and friends.

Learning Goes Beyond the Classroom

James A. Dever Elementary School’s sixth-grade classes recently embarked on an educational field trip to the BOCES Outdoor Education Center in Old Brookville in order to take part in a program called Project Adventure.

During the workshop, students were presented with an assortment of innovative and imaginative situations whose solutions had physical, intellectual, and social dimensions. The problem-solving situations encouraged the students to work together and solve the problem. The activities engaged students in a manner that evoked and developed skills such as communication, cooperation, trust, and respect.

Building Character with the NY Islanders

The New York Islanders’ program, We’re All Islanders, recently visited James A. Dever School. The assembly program, highlighted by Sparky, the Islander mascot, teaches children about working together as a team. Students in grades K-6 enjoyed this interactive program and learned variable lessons about character and the importance of teamwork.

Celebrations for American Education Week

American Education Week was held during the week of November 23, 2009. Parents were invited to visit the district’s schools during this week and observe their child in his/her classroom. Parents had the opportunity to enjoy many motivating and creative lessons throughout their visit.
The kindergarten and second-grade classes invited parents to their annual Thanksgiving Feast. The parents were asked to send in a Thanksgiving-style snack with their child on the feast day. Some suggestions were: a turkey sandwich, corn muffin, popcorn, apple, or raw veggies, all of which are in keeping with the holiday tradition. The students had a wonderful time sharing songs, poems, and reading aloud things that they are thankful for.
Of course, the most important part was the sharing of the meal as a community.

Dever Cuts Ribbon to New School Playground

The James A. Dever Elementary School community came together in early November to make a difference in the lives of the school’s students. Thanks to a legislative grant from Senator Dean Skelos, the school was able to purchase $50,000 worth of playground equipment. Under bright and sunny skies, hundreds of volunteers teamed up to construct the new playground.
Just before Thanksgiving break, the entire school, members of the district’s administration, and local elected officials gathered at the new site to cut a ceremonial ribbon, symbolizing the official opening of the new playground.
“This playground has been a long time coming in so many ways,” stated Principal Darren Gruen. “Today’s ribbon cutting symbolizes the hard work and dedication of a whole community coming together for a special cause – to provide a legacy for our children – on which will benefit our children and our community for years to come.”
During the dedication ceremony, the dignitaries in attendance addressed the crowd and told the students to enjoy the new play area. Additionally, student council president Damian Rodriguez spoke to those in attendance, students Joseph D’Elia and Kate Catalano read their own original poems, and students in Denise DeMeo’s second-grade class sang several songs.
After the ribbon was cut, the students enjoyed playing with the new equipment.
The school’s Shared Decision-Making Team, who started their work last school year by surveying parents, students, and teachers, helped the school’s administrators plan for the playground. Special thanks to all of the volunteers and the school’s PTA and Shared Decision-Making Team for all of their efforts

."For Construction Photos Click Here"

Working to Keep Students Staying Safe

Internet Safety Officer for the Town of Hempstead Peggy Mahoney has visited all four elementary schools in the Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen to make presentations on the topic of Internet safety.
With the building’s older students, Ms. Mahoney spoke about networking sites, how to protect one’s family safety by being very careful with personal information given out online, and the discretion to take when posting items such as photos, as they can be downloaded by anyone, anywhere, and be on the Internet forever. Additionally, with the younger students, she addressed how students can remain safe in larger and busy places and who or what to look for if lost.

Expanding Classroom Lessons

Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen fourth-grade students in the Gifted and Talented Program integrated their study of archaeology and the Iroquois Native Americans with a trip to Garvies Point Museum and Preserve. Accompanied by the district’s Gifted and Talented teachers, Karen Skolnick and Richard Rosenfeld, and many parents, the students enjoyed an enriching educational experience.
This museum is a center for research on Long Island geology and a valued resource in the study of the Island’s Native American archaeology. Students participated in a hands-on workshop to develop an understanding of the relationship between tool technology and basic human life activities. They were able to handle many authentic Native American artifacts. In addition, students took part in an exciting scavenger hunt as they toured the museum’s very impressive collection of exhibits and artifacts.

BOO!!!

The annual Halloween party at James A. Dever Elementary School was a huge success. The PTA volunteers were busy with Halloween tattoos, crafts, and distributing lots of yummy goodies.
During the event, attendees enjoyed watching an entertainment show provided by Orlando the Magician from All in One Entertainment. Orlando awed the children, as well as the parents, with some of his magic tricks including drawing a picture and making the eyes and mouth move, and making birds appear out of thin air. Falcon Perspectives generously donated a beautifully designed fortune-telling booth, which was manned by Stephanie Toma, who played the role of a fortune teller. Stephanie was really creative in her fortunes and the kids made repeat visits for her predictions.
All of the students looked adorable in their costumes. Special thanks to those who volunteered and the guests who came - you all made it a wonderful party.

Creating Stepping Stones Together

Students at James A. Dever Elementary School took part in a school beautification project in the spring of 2009, made possible by a grant from the Valley Stream Inter-School PTA. Under the direction of art teacher Janis Boremski, each grade came up with a theme to create their share of 42 steppingstones made of concrete and broken tile. Each class created their own steppingstone to represent their theme, which also connected to their curriculum. The themes included Ocean Animals, Symbols of New York, multiculturalism, and the Solar System.
The steppingstones created by the students were installed in the front of the James A. Dever Elementary School this fall by a local Girl Scout Troop. This project allowed the students to work together on an art installation and understand the permanence of their work.

Reading with Friends

Students at James A. Dever Elementary School opened books this fall to symbolize the start of the school’s Intergenerational Reading Partners Program, an initiative that began at the school 18 years ago.
During the program, a group of civic-minded senior citizens volunteer their time to read and share books with first through fourth-grade students. The participating students meet with their partners on a one-to-one basis or as a small group for half-hour of shared reading and storytelling with the program's volunteers. The students and volunteers alike look forward to this program, as many are returning participants and enjoy continuing their friendships. It is a wonderful program that encourages the children to read and it is also special for the volunteers because they help make a difference in the students’ lives.

Campaign Promises Made During Student Council Election

This October, students in grades 3-6 at James A. Dever Elementary School spoke loud and clear as they elected officers for the building’s Student Council. The results of the election were as follows:

Damian Rodriguez – President
Dezmond Imperial – Vice President
Tara Canny – Secretary
Jamie Alimo – Historian

Each of the students, along with others running for the same offices, made speeches during an assembly for their peers.They each shared their plans for making the school the best that it can be and some ideas that they had. After hearing the speeches, the students went back to class and cast their ballot. It is amazing how seriously students take the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. The entire student body looks forward to working with the officers throughout the year to complete many charitable and service-oriented projects.

Fire Prevention and Safety

James A. Dever Elementary School students in grades K-2 celebrated National Fire Safety month by receiving visits from the Valley Stream and Malverne Fire Departments. The Valley Stream Fire Department came with a modular Smoke House which teaches the children what to do in a fire through simulated fire situations. The students were very excited when the smoke detectors sounded and some fake smoke filled the house, and they left the “house” by climbing out a window. On a separate occasion the students had the opportunity to climb on a Malverne Fire Department fire truck and learn about turnout gear and what a pumper truck does. The students learned many valuable life saving fire tips. In the end, they even got to squirt some water. It was a fun-filled day for all of the students. All of the events were supervised by a firefighter and classroom teacher.

Keeping Cyber-Safe!

Peggy Mahoney, Internet Safety Officer for the Town of Hempstead, conducted a powerful assembly for James A. Dever Elementary School students in grades 4-6 on the potential of exposure to and exploitation by online predators. They learned that they can be a dangerous threat to unsuspecting children and adolescents. The children were given tips for online and offline safety, including keeping private information off the Internet. The issues surrounding cyber-bullying were also addressed. Handouts were given to the children to take home and share with their parents. In addition, the school has planned a workshop for parents at a PTA meeting later this year. Town of Hempstead Councilman Edward Ambrosino was also in attendance for the program. He, along with Supervisor Kate Murray, have been spearheading a campaign to keep the public informed with regard to these current and important issues.

They’re G.R.E.A.T.!

James A. Dever Elementary School’s fourth and sixth-grade students are participating in a six to ten-week Gang Resistance Education and Training Program, known to all as the G.R.E.A.T. Program. Some topics included in the program are:
*The truth about gangs and violence
*Goal setting
*Communication skills
*Empathy
*Peer pressure
*Anger management
*Conflict resolution

Through instruction and role-playing activities the students learn skills and behaviors that will make it easier for them to avoid and resist negative influences in their lives. The program is truly GREAT!

Bully Free at JAD

During James A. Dever Elementary School’s October PTA meeting, Malverne Police Chief John Aresta and Sergeant John Oddo conducted a workshop for parents concerning the importance of child safety and bully prevention. The presentation provided parents with, not only information, but with helpful strategies and resources. A great deal of the presentation revolved around a big problem today, cyber-bullying. Parents went away feeling more equipped to deal with issues as they arise, and ways in which to be more proactive.

Mystery Teacher Day

Each year in May, students in District Thirteen celebrate Democracy in Action Day held on the same day as our budget vote. †Using actual voting machines, the students are invited to cast their ballot on an issue of importance to them. †Last year District Thirteen students voted on a theme day for the fall of 2009. The choices were:
1. Mystery Teacher
2. Fun and Fitness
3. Family Jamboree
The winner was Mystery Teacher, and all four schools in District 13 celebrated this day on Friday, October 23, 2009. †It entailed having each teacher in the four schools exchange places with one another for 100 minutes (2 blocks of 50 minutes). †
The students enjoyed seeing the building’s teachers and administrators working in a variety of new roles.

Parents Go Back to School

Parents throughout District Thirteen went back to school during the first several weeks of September to sit in their children’s classrooms and meet their teachers. The schools, which hosted their annual Open House programs not long after the start of school, welcomed new and returning parents to the buildings.

During the evenings, parents met with special area teachers, visited their own child’s classroom, and learned about the co-curricular opportunities for students, including music, community service projects, and the schools’ club offerings. Additionally, members of each school’s PTA organization were on hand to speak with parents about the group and sign up new members.

School Days Begin Again

The first day of school in the Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen was a huge success. Whether arriving by bus, unpacking their school bags, or having lunch in the cafeteria for the first time, all of the students had smiles on their faces and were eager to begin the 2009-2010 school year together.
Students arrived at their respective schools by bus, car, and on foot full of smiles and good cheer. The students and teachers alike are looking forward to the year ahead.

New Faces Around District Thirteen

The first full week of September this year not only marked the first day of school for the district’s students, but for eight new teachers it was the start of their professional career in the Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen. Before the doors of the district’s three schools opened for the first time on September 9, the newest members of the faculty attended a summer orientation program geared towards informing them of services offered in the district, along with established policies.

Throughout the daylong program, the teachers met with the district administrators and leadership team. During the event, the new employees were provided with an overview of the technological offerings in the district, the schools’ special education services, as well as the district’s educational philosophy.

Welcome to the following new District Thirteen teachers: