RSS 2.0 FeedOctober 14, 2010, Merrick Life
New ballfield comes to Merrick
Little League looks to refurbish Merrick ball field.
Bob Pizzimenti, a division director of the Merrick-North Merrick Little League, attended the September 28 meeting of the Merrick board of education to propose a gift to the district's children – a newly refurbished ballfield at the Norman J. Levy-Lakeside School. At an estimated cost of $13,000 to $15,000, the little league offered to repair the infield, replace fencing, bring in new sod and create a dirt path around the field.
Trustee Butch Yamali, who is also the president of the little league, expressed a desire to see “a beautiful field” when pulling up to the school. Mr. Yamali said the league found extra money in the budget and decided to put it into the school district.
Having traveled to many ballfields for little league games, Mr. Pizziment agreed that providing a beautiful field in Merrick would entice other teams to participate in games in Merrick. However, he added that he wanted to “make sure that these fields are great for the next group of kids to come up.”
First and foremost is the safety aspect. Mr. Pizzimenti said the improvements to the field would ensure the safety factor by leveling out surfaces and providing an appropriate surface. “We are doing the right thing for our kids,” said the division director.
School board president Joann Seibert and superintendent Ranier Melucci expressed their gratitude to the little league.
Welcoming new teachers
Board members and administrators welcomed the newcomers to the district by introducing them to all those in attendance. After a lengthy interview process, and many candidates later, those teachers chosen for the jobs were:
Justine Dujardin, art teacher at Chatterton School; Cory Gerard, art teacher at Birch School; Marissa Green, teacher at Chatterton School; Riva Kaplan, speech language teacher at Birch School and Levy-Lakeside School; Melissa Levine, library media at Levy – Lakeside School; Jennifer Lohr, reading teacher at Chatterton School; Sherry Ma, gifted and talented teacher at Birch and Levy-Lakeside.
“We wish you much success,” declared Dr. Melucci. All were enthusiastically welcomed by colleagues and residents.
Superintendent’s report
Dr. Melucci said that a proposal was presented in the county legislature regarding tax grievances. It has been proposed that the burden of tax appeals and their refunds be shifted from the county to local school districts. The superintendent asked board members for a resolution opposing the proposal.
Mr. Yamali wanted more information before agreeing to the resolution.
Trustee Sheri Iskenderian feared that a delay in approving the resolution might result in losing the opportunity to “express our concerns.” Board members voted approval while Mr. Yamali abstained from the vote.
The superintendent requested that Lisa ruiz, assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and student services, deliver a presentation about the results of the New York 2009-2010 state assessments.
Dr. Ruiz assured parents that the district continues to perform as “a district in good standing.” The performance index for all schools, grades and subgroups continues to exceed the measurable objectives set by the state, said Dr. Ruiz.
However, it was noted that the state raised the assessment standards midyear, which has impacted school districts across the state.
On a positive note, Dr. Ruiz said the new cut scores will better measure student achievement and could provide additional support for students.
It is expected that tests will change again this year and be of a longer duration. Dr. Ruiz said that administrators and teachers welcome the challenge and will be prepared to help students.
In expressing his opinion, Dr. Melucci said the original intent of statewide testing was to identify those in need of academic intervention. The assessment program has grown “beyond the original intent,” said Dr. Melucci, and now requires a great deal of data analysis. The district does not want the tests to be the only indicator of how its students are doing, he said.
Other business
Ms. Iskenderian attended the 9/11 Memorial dedication at the Central High School District's alternative high school. The students, themselves, devised the tribute and Ms. Iskenderian said it was beautifully done.
Board vice-president Gina Piskin said that she learned, at a recent meeting of the Levy-Lakeside PTA, that raccoons were sighted during the day on Lawrence Street. Parents were very concerned about the situation.
Ms. Piskin also suggested that parents be reminded that extra help is offered at the schools in the early morning. Dr. Melucci said he believes that the information is provided on the district website.
Ms. Iskenderian suggested that all new business matters be carried over to the next agenda under the heading of old business, to be sure that follow-ups are conducted. Dr. Melucci agreed to the suggestion.
Good and welfare
Congratulations were sent to Chatterton teacher Christina Treglia on her marriage to Chris Mongeluzzi; to Birch School teacher Sandra Coughlin on the birth of her daughter Chloe Alexandra; and to Levy-Lakeside teacher Kelly Larson on the birth of her daughter, Sloane Hayden.
Condolences were extended to Chatterton School head custodian Kent Eriksen on the death of his mother Jean Eriksen; to Levy-Lakeside teaching assistant Leslie Goldstein on the loss of her father-in-law Melvin Goldstein; and to Chatterton School teaching assistant Karen Byrns on the passing of her mother-in-law Madeline Byrns.
