Francis X. Hegarty Elementary

News & Announcements

• Fun Day of Reindeer Games

  Francis X. Hegarty was recently transformed into a winter wonderland as students and staff embarked on an exciting hunt for missing reindeer during the school's Reindeer Games. The festive event had everyone, from young learners to faculty members, eagerly searching for the elusive reindeer that had mysteriously hidden around the campus.
  
  Throughout the day, participants enjoyed a variety of holiday-themed games and activities, including the much-loved Reindeer Games, where they competed in fun challenges to celebrate the season. But the real excitement came when the reindeer were discovered — and not just any reindeer, but special ones tucked away in unexpected spots!
  
  Once a reindeer was found, the fun wasn’t over — participants had to capture the moment by taking a festive selfie with their newly discovered reindeer. The creative photos filled with joy and laughter quickly became a highlight of the day, showcasing the school’s sense of community and holiday cheer.
  
  We wanted to bring some extra holiday fun to our school this year, said Sandy Schneider, the interim principal at Hegarty. Reindeer Games was a wonderful way to engage both students and staff in a festive spirit. Seeing everyone working together, enjoying the games, and creating memories was truly heartwarming.

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary

• Island Park Students Celebrate the Season

  Francis X. Hegarty School and Lincoln Orens Middle School in Island Park recently shared the sounds of the holiday season during their schools’ winter concert performances. The district celebrates the talents of the students and appreciates the hard work that went toward these performances.

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary

• Island Park students participate in Hour of Code

  The Island Park School District held their annual Hour of Code event at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary and Lincoln Orens Middle School on Dec. 10.  Students in grades K-8 participated in interactive computer activities that created art and games through coding around the this year’s theme to make the invisible visible.
  
  Making the Invisible Visible through Hour of Code games and activities brings abstract concepts to life and show how technology works behind the scenes of everyday experiences like how sound is created digitally or designing interactive art pieces that repond to user input.
  
  The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science designed to broaden the computer science field and show that anyone can learn the basics. Coding helps with problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. By starting at an early age, students will have a foundation for any 21st century career path. 
  
  Assistant Superintendent Tami McElwee said, “It’s important for the students to have an understanding of coding and what types of courses and careers are available for them to explore more about in the years to come.”

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary

• FXH Welcomes Interim Principal

  Island Park Board of Education appointed Sandra Schneider as the Interim Principal of Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School at the October board meeting.  Students and staff officially welcomed Principal Schneider to the FXH family on Nov. 4. Mrs. Schneider’s career as an elementary educator spans over 30 years, serving for 20 years as principal of West Elementary School in the Long Beach School District. Following her retirement from Long Beach, Mrs. Schneider continued her commitment to education by training and mentoring future school leaders through her work with the Center of Integrated Teacher Education and the College of St. Rose. Throughout her career, she has been known as a visionary instructional leader, skilled in team building, and a strong advocate for developing a safe, nurturing, and academically rich learning environment. She has a deep understanding of the importance of both academic rigor and social-emotional development, balancing these elements to create an atmosphere where all students thrive. Island Park Superintendent of Schools Vincent Randazzo said, “She brings a wealth of knowledge and proven success in fostering a positive, engaging, and high-achieving school environment.” He continued, “Her extensive background and unwavering dedication make her an exceptional fit for our elementary school as we navigate this leadership transition together.”

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary

• FXH Students Remember Local Veterans

  Students at FXH enjoyed celebrating at a Veterans Day Assembly on Nov. 8 for local veterans.  The tribute started with the “Pledge of Allegiance” and singing of “God Bless America.”  Third graders presented handmade cards to the veteran guests. First graders showed their appreciation with a poem presentation.  A highlight of the program was the student performance of “Veterans, We Love You. “

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary

• Island Park Students Celebrate Patriot Day

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary students and staff celebrated Patriot Day on the morning of Sept. 11. Students gathered for a special tribute honoring local heroes on the front lawn around the school’s flagpole.

  Under the direction of Principal Adam Frankel, the program started with the Pledge of Allegiance and included a tribute recognizing everyday heroes. Principal Frankel encouraged students to think about how they can be a hero by performing acts of service and good deeds within our families and school community. Poems about heroes were shared by students and the program concluded with everyone singing, “God Bless America.”

  The patriotic feeling continued as students placed flags on the walkway leading to the entrance of the building.

   

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary

• Island Park elementary students recognized for good traits

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School students recently gathered for a special assembly to celebrate fellow peers being recognized for having good character traits. Throughout the school year, Monthly Character Traits Awards will be presented to two students from each class for respect, perseverance, compassion, tolerance, honest, self-esteem, responsibility, loyalty, and good character.

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary

• Students of the Month celebrated at Board of Education meeting

  At the November 13 Island Park Board of Education meeting, several students were recognized as October Students of the Month.

  The learner profile attribute for October was “knowledgeable,” which describes students who develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. These students engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.

  Students honored for this learner profile attribute were Jack Barnes (kindergarten), Parker Szachacz (grade 1), Everett Castell (grade 2), Catherine Rodahan (grade 3), Michal Skrine (grade 4), Sean Trahan (grade 5), Adan Rodriguez (grade 6), Andrew Ruiz (grade 7) and Ella Melle (grade 8).

  Following student recognitions, Superintendent of Schools Vincent Randazzo reported important district updates to the Board and the general public. A highlight of Mr. Randazzo’s presenation was student goal setting also known as “Wildly Important Goals” (WIG). The presentation slides can be found on the Superintendent’s Corner page of the Island Park Union Free School District website following this URL: http://www.ips.k12.ny.us/superintendents_corner.

  To watch the full meeting, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3fqEP7GxFA

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary