RSS 2.0 FeedDecember 2, 2010, Merrick Life
Merrick schools honor retirees
The school community gratefully acknowledged the dedication of its retiring members at the November 9 meeting of the Merrick Board of Education.
Trustee Susan Schwartz presented a plaque to library media specialist Sherri Evans, saying she had “touched the lives of thousands of children.”
Outgoing teaching assistant Sandra Feldman was honored by trustee Sherri Iskenderian for “her many years of service.” Superintendent Ranier Melucci added that though Ms. Feldman had retired as a teaching assistant, she can still be seen at the after-school program.
Reading teacher Melanie Moeller was commended by board president Joann Seibert for being a “hard-working and dedicated professional.”
Retiring custodian Robert Hamilton also received a plaque from Trustee Butch Yamali for his service to the district. Mr. Yamali said that Mr. Hamilton “approached each task diligently.”
Although not at the meeting, teacher Susan Melnick was praised by Dr. Melucci for her service to the children in the district.
PTA members gave flowers to the retirees and refreshments were served in their honor.
Presentation of math curriculum
Assistant Superintendent Lisa Ruiz introduced Sean Murray, assistant principal of the Norman J. Levy-Lakeside School, who chaired the district’s mathematic committee.
Mr. Murray presented an overview of what has been developed to help Merrick students achieve and perhaps surpass their goals.
The three components of math instruction include conceptual understanding, procedural fluency and problem solving, said Mr. Murray.
Merrick’s curriculum is based on New York State standards, and is organized and mapped according to grade levels. A number of programs are used, which are age-appropriate for each grade level.
Two of the programs used are TERC and Saxon math. The Saxon program, for second-graders, is allowing the students more mastery of mathematics, said Ms. Ruiz. There are assessments built into the program.
Many manipulatives are being used in the district for younger students. SMART Board lessons and teacher-created materials are incorporated into the programs.One of the committee goals for this year is to identify and document shared math terminology and vocabulary.
Other business
Dr. Melucci recommended that the trustees approve a resolution regarding transportation. The board members approved transportation of students “whose parents request transportation no later than April 1, 2011, to the Solomon Schechter School located in Glen Cove, New York, for the 2011-2012 school year.”
Good and welfare
It was with deep sadness that Ms. Seibert expressed condolences to Trustee Diane Seaman on the recent passing of her son Tyler.
Condolences were also extended to teaching assistant Tessy Papadopoulos on the passing of her father-in-law Anastasios Papadopoulos; to bus driver John Gibbone on the recent death of his father-in-law Leonard Scalisi; and to substitute teacher Deanne Carrick on the death of her father Edward Hayward.
Congratulations were sent to Chatterton stenographer Susan O’ Keefe on the engagement of her daughter Cortney to Dan Mezzafonte; and to Birch teacher Christine Lodato on the birth of her son James Michael.
