News & Announcements

• featured post

  THE PTA SCHOOL STORE - GRAND OPENING

  THE PTA SCHOOL STORE
  AT FXH WILL BE OPEN ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24^th

  DURING LUNCH PERIODS 

  The children will have the opportunity to purchase items such as: fun pencils and pens, key chains, magnets, erasers, pencil sharpeners, coin purses, etc. (prices range from 25¢ to $10).

  If you would like for your child to purchase item(s) from the School Store, please send money to school with your child in an envelope marked SCHOOL STORE. Sorry, but parents cannot shop with their children.

  The children really love browsing and buying things at the School Store. Money that is earned from the sale of items in the School Store will go directly back to the children via special programs and activities provided for by the PTA.

  Volunteers are needed to work the School Store any time during lunch periods
  (11:20am–1:20pm). The days that the store will be open depends on the number of volunteers that are available to help.

  If you would like to volunteer at the School Store or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Tina DeCunzo or Bia Dellamorte at islandparkpta11558@gmail.com.

  • PTA SCHOOL STORE SEPT 2019.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  PICTURE DAY 2019

  MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2019   UPK | LOMS
  MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019   FXH

  RETAKES AND CLUB PICTURES 
  WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019   UPK | FXH | LOMS

  On Monday, October 7^th and Monday, October 21^st, the PTA will be sponsoring school pictures. Your child will be photographed individually as well as with his/her class (class pictures are for Pre-K through 5^th grade students only). All students will have an individual picture taken for school records, even if a package is not purchased.

  If your child is absent, another opportunity will be available on Picture Retake Day, which is scheduled for Wednesday, December 4^th for FXH, UPK and LOMS.

  Kindly follow the directions on the attached order form. We are using Irvin Simon Photographers.

  Payment and order form are due back on Picture Day. Portrait packages will be printed only for students paying on PHOTO DAY.

  If your child does not have their order form and payment with them on Picture Day, their picture will only be taken for school records. They will then have to return on Picture Retake Day with their order form and payment.

  If you would like to volunteer for Picture Day or have any questions, please contact:
  

  UPK AND LOMS — CO-CHAIRS
  TinaMarie Ruzicka and Cathie Hall
  islandparkpta11558@gmail.com
  516-924-5739

  FXH — CO-CHAIRS
  TinaMarie Ruzicka and Clorinda Fabris
  islandparkpta11558@gmail.com
  516-924-5739

  • PICTURE DAY 2019.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT AT HEGARTY

  Dear Parents:

  Welcome to another school year and a successful new beginning!  Soon we will have an opportunity to catch up with familiar faces and welcome new ones.  Back to School Night is now upon us.  Please take note of the following information and refer to it later if necessary: 

  BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT AT HEGARTY
  THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019
  7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

  A general school meeting with me will be held promptly at 7:00 p.m. in the school gym.  I will explain the district attendance and visitor policies to you as well as address any questions or concerns.  I will also introduce our teachers and staff members.  Following the meeting, teachers will be in their classrooms to give an overview of their programs.  The following teachers will also be available: art, music, PE, technology, library, ELA Lab, Math Lab, Resource Room, Speech/Language, Discovery, ENL, and FLES.  Mrs. Terzulli (psychologist), and Mrs. Carranza (social worker) will be in their offices should you wish to speak with them. 

  Throughout the evening, please do not hesitate to ask a staff member for directions.  Please be advised of the following schedule.

  7:00-7:20 p.m.                   General Meeting (Gymnasium)
  7:25-7:55 p.m.                   Classroom Presentations                               

  We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, September 26.  It is an honor to serve as your principal.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the main office. 

  Sincerely, 

  Cynthia Cameron
  Principal

  • Back to School Night letter 2019-20.pdf
  • En espanol - Back to School Night letter 2019-20.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  Parent Letter School Meals

  Dear Parent/Guardian: 

  Children need healthy meals to learn. Island Park UFSD offers healthy meals every school day. Breakfast costs $1.50; lunch costs $2.75. Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced price meals. Beginning July 1, 2019, students in New York State that are approved for reduced price meals will receive breakfast and lunch meals at no charge. 

  1. Do I need to fill out an application for each child?  No. Complete the application to apply for free or reduced price meals. Use one Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to: Dena DeBari, Island Park UFSD, 150 Trafalgar Blvd. Island Park, NY 11558, Tel. (516) 434-2622
  2. Who can get free meals? All children in households receiving benefits from SNAP, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations or TANF, can get free meals regardless of your income. Categorical eligibility for free meal benefits is extended to all children in a household when the application lists an Assistance Program’s case number for any household member. Also, your children can get free meals if your household’s gross income is within the free limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines. Households with children who are categorically eligible through an Other Source Categorically Eligible designation, as defined by law, may be eligible for free benefits and should contact the SFA for assistance in receiving benefits.
  3. CAN FOSTER CHILDREN GET FREE MEALS? Yes, foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court, are eligible for free meals.  Any foster child in the household is eligible for free meals regardless of income. Foster children may also be included as a member of the foster family if the foster family chooses to also apply for benefits for other children. Including children in foster care as household members may help other children in the household qualify for benefits. If non-foster children in a foster family are not eligible for free or reduced price meal benefits, an eligible foster child will still receive free benefits.
  4. Can homeless, runaway, and migrant children get free meals? Yes, children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant qualify for free meals.  If you haven’t been told your children will get free meals, please call Mr. Jacob Russum, (516) 434-2620 to see if they qualify.
  5. WHO CAN GET REDUCED PRICE MEALS? Your children may be approved as reduced price eligible if your household income is within the reduced-price limits on the Federal Eligibility Income Chart, shown on this letter. Beginning July 1, 2019, students in New York State that are approved for reduced price meals will receive breakfast and lunch meals at no charge.
  6. SHOULD I FILL OUT AN APPLICATION IF I RECEIVED A LETTER THIS SCHOOL YEAR SAYING MY CHILDREN ARE APPROVED FOR FREE MEALS?  Please read the letter you got carefully and follow the instructions.  Call the school at (516) 434-2622 if you have questions.
  7. MY CHILD’S APPLICATION WAS APPROVED LAST YEAR.  DO I NEED TO FILL OUT ANOTHER ONE?  Yes.  Your child’s application is only good for that school year and for up to the first 30 operating days of this school year.  You must send in a new application unless the school told you that your child is eligible for the new school year.
  8. I GET WIC.  CAN MY CHILD(REN) GET FREE MEALS?  Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced price meals.  Please fill out a FREE/REDUCED PRICE MEAL application.
  9. Will the information I give be checked? Yes and we may also ask you to send written proof.
  10. IF I DON’T QUALIFY NOW, MAY I APPLY LATER? Yes, you may apply at any time during the school year.  For example, children with a parent or guardian who becomes unemployed may become eligible for free and reduced price meals if the household income drops below the income limit.
  11. What if I disagree with the school’s decision about my application? You should talk to school officials. You also may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to: Dr. Rosmarie Bovino, 99 Radcliffe Road, Island Park, NY 11558
  12. May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen? Yes. You or your child(ren) do not have to be U.S. citizens to qualify for free or reduced price meals.
  13. Who should I include as members of my household? You must include all people living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends) who share income and expenses. You must include yourself and all children living with you.  If you live with other people who are economically independent (for example, people who you do not support, who do not share income with you or your children, and who pay a pro-rated share of expenses), do not include them.
  14. What if my income is not always the same? List the amount that you normally receive. For example, if you normally make $1000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only made $900, put down that you made $1000 per month.  If you normally get overtime, include it, but do not include it if you only work overtime sometimes.  If you have lost a job or had your hours or wages reduced, use your current income.
  15. We are in the military. do we include our housing allowance as income? If you get an off-base housing allowance, it must be included as income. However, if your housing is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, do not include your housing allowance as income.
  16. MY SPOUSE IS DEPLOYED TO A COMBAT ZONE.  IS HER COMBAT PAY COUNTED AS INCOME? No, if the combat pay is received in addition to her basic pay because of her deployment and it wasn’t received before she was deployed, combat pay is not counted as income.  Contact your school for more information.
  17. My family needs more help. Are there other programs we might apply for? To find out how to apply for SNAP or other assistance benefits, contact your local assistance office or call 1-800-342-3009.

  See attached to read more...

  • En espanol-Parent Letter School Meals.pdf
  • Parent Letter School Meals 2019-20.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  Spaces Available in the District’s Universal Pre-K Program for the 2019-20 School Year

  August 27, 2019

  Dear Parents and Community Members,

  In the event that there may be spaces available in the District’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten program for the 2019-20 school year, UPK registration will be taking place at the Francis X. Hegarty School on Thursday, September 12, 2019 by appointment only. Please call the Francis X. Hegarty School 434-2670/71 between 8am-4pm for your registration packet and to schedule an appointment for your eligible child.

  The program is a full-day, five-day per week program for children turning four-years old by December 1, 2019. Children must also reside within the Island Park School District and meet all health and immunization requirements. Enrollment is limited so get your application in today!      

  The day of your appointment, please bring:

  • Child’s Birth Certificate confirming your child will be four years of age on or before December 1, 2019.
  • 3 Proofs of Residency confirming you are a full-time resident of Island Park (e.g., driver’s license, telephone bill, deed to home, bank statement, etc.).
  • Updated physical and immunization documents from your child’s pediatrician.

  If there are additional openings for the 2019-20 school year, a special board meeting will be held at a later date for the purpose of a random selection. Please call (516) 434-2670 for additional information.  There will be a mandatory UPK Parent Meeting at a later day for parents of students who are newly accepted and subsequently enrolled in the program.

  Thank you for your continued support of the Island Park Schools.

  • Spots avail for wait list pre-k registration 2019.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  Island Park’s Jacob Russum Named Director of Pupil Personnel Services

  The Island Park Public Schools welcomed Jacob Russum to the role of director of pupil personnel services on July 1. As principal of Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School for the past 10 years, Mr. Russum has been a valuable member of the district. He took on the post previously held by Dr. Laurie Scimeca, who retired at the end of the 2018-19 school year.

  During his years at Hegarty, Mr. Russum initiated the building’s character development program, spearheaded community-building opportunities such as Prime Time and Career Day, integrated and adopted new literacy and mathematics curricula, developed a guided reading program at the kindergarten level and created a school safety plan aligned with technologically current security resources. He also served as principal of the Universal Pre-K program, which is housed at Lincoln Orens Middle School.

  Mr. Russum collaborated with district leadership to launch the highly successful LEGO Robotics program, co-planned a summer reading partnership with the Island Park Public Library and maintained relationships with community organizations. He resurrected the end-of-year Field Day carnival, started the Green Club and continued events such as the Winners Walk and holiday caroling that have become Island Park traditions and make a difference to others. A supporter of the Foreign Language in the Elementary School program, he oversaw a four-day schedule cycle that allowed for FLES and health instruction.

  In 2012, following the impact of Superstorm Sandy, Mr. Russum led Hegarty’s families and staff members through disaster relief and recovery that included temporarily relocating the entire school population. He later engaged in partnerships with Barnum Woods Elementary School in East Meadow and the Island Park Kiwanis Club to raise funds for a new playground to replace the one that was flooded.

  “We are delighted to introduce Mr. Russum as our new director of pupil personnel services,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rosmarie Bovino. “He is a dedicated member of our district and a valued leader, having brought many positive changes to Hegarty that benefited thousands of children over the last decade.”

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  Island Park Schools eChalk Notify App

  Dear Parents and Guardians, 

  Island Park Schools has a new and simple way for you to stay updated on emergency notices, school closings, delayed openings, school and district announcements, and more!  Using our new Island Park Schools eChalk Notify App you can receive real time updates that appear as notifications immediately on your mobile devices! The Island Park Schools’ eChalk Notify App can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or by using the links below: 

  Search; “eChalk Notify App”

  Apple App Store: https://apple.co/2mkz4wD 

  Google Play Store: https://bit.ly/2NjIUtV 

  Once downloaded, you can login to receive critical messages and alerts from your school and district by entering our school alert code below: 

  District
  eChalk Notify Alert Code
  FGOWYH 

  Francis X. Hegarty
  eChalk Notify Alert Code
  54Y2HS 

  Lincoln Orens
  eChalk Notify Alert Code
  Y3GTYC

  You can refer to the step by step instructions below to download and install eChalk Notify on your mobile phone or tablet: 

  1. Download the eChalk Notify App.
     Anyone can download the eChalk Notify App for free from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Just search for “eChalk Notify.” 

  2. Login with your username and password or proceed without logging in.

  
  You can log into the Island Park Schools eChalk Notify App without an account by clicking “Proceed without logging in” > Add your school or district alerts > enter your school’s alert code > Connect. You’ll only need to enter the school’s alert code when logging in for the first time. 

  Note: Setting up the app by entering the school alert code allows you to receive school and district emergency alert notifications only. 

  If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Michael Martin at mmartin@islandparkschools.org for further assistance. 

  Sincerely,

  Michael Martin
  Website Administrator

  • Parent Community Notify App.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  School Bus Rules and Regulations Form

  Dear Island Park Parents and Students:

  Below you will find the School Bus Rules and Regulations that all students must follow when riding our buses back and forth to school and for class trips.  This code is designed to ensure the safety of all of our students. 

  The form must be completely filled out and signed by the parent or guardian then returned to the transportation office.  It is very important that this be done before August 23rd.  Without the properly signed form no bus pass will be created for your child and they will not receive a schedule for transportation.

  Our policy will again be: NO SIGNED FORM = NO PASS, NO SCHEDULE & NO RIDE.
  Please do not wait until the last minute to submit your form to Transportation.

  Have a safe and wonderful summer!
  THE TRANSPORTATION DEPT.

  See online form:
  -Grades 3-8
  -High School

   

  • School Bus Rules And Regulations-GR 3-8.pdf
  • School Bus Rules And Regulations-High School.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  Message From Principal Cynthia Cameron

  Dear Parents/Guardian,

  Welcome back to the 2019-2020 school year!  I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the Francis X. Hegarty School community. I have been dedicated to the field of education for the past twenty-two years. I began my career as an elementary school teacher in the New York City Public School System. I continued my career as a middle school literacy specialist and also taught honors journalism, English and social studies to sixth through ninth grade students. I have been an Assistant Principal in the Elmont School District as well as Principal of the district’s Academic Summer School and Enrichment Program for the past seven years. Aside from my career experiences, I volunteer for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Suffolk County. This cause is very near and dear to my heart. 

  I believe that all children can learn in a safe and respectful learning community. I am looking forward to the implementation of our new reading program as well as the many upcoming programs and activities.  I am a firm believer that children learn best when provided with experiences that enhance their individual learning styles. 

  I look forward to meeting you at the upcoming “Meet the New Principal Tea” on August 27^th at 1:30 pm in the Hegarty Café.  I am excited to meet your greatest gifts, the children of Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School. I know we are going to have a fantastic 2019-2020 school year.    

  Sincerely,

  Cynthia Cameron
  Principal

  • En espanol - Welcome Back Letter 2019-2020.pdf
  • Welcome Back Letter 2019-2020.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  Island Park welcomes new principal

  The Island Park Public Schools have appointed Cynthia Cameron as the next principal of Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School, effective as of July 1, 2019. Ms. Cameron joins the district from the Elmont School District, where she served as an elementary school assistant principal since 2012.

  During the past seven years, Ms. Cameron has developed and implemented curricula, helped to revise the Response to Intervention Plan, provided professional development opportunities and teacher training, overseen staff members and teacher teams, led parent workshops, coordinated testing and much more. She also served as the principal of Elmont’s Academic Summer School as well as the Enrichment Program and has worked as a consultant for Nassau BOCES’ Educational Testing Services.

  Prior to her time in Elmont, Ms. Cameron was a fifth grade teacher at PS 68 in Ridgewood, Queens, a 4^th and 5^th grade teacher in the Half Hollow Hills School. She was also a sixth through ninth grade Academic Intervention Specialist at Junior High School 185 in Flushing. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science Degrees from Hofstra University, and Specialist Diploma from Queens College. She is a NYS certified School Supervisor/Administrator and Literacy Specialist.

  Ms. Cameron is looking forward to meeting the staff, students and families of the Island Park community. She is also eager to implement the district’s new initiatives and programs. “The Island Park School District is truly a family community and I am beyond lucky to have this opportunity.”

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  FXH School Supply List 2019-20

  See supply list attached...

  • Supply List First Grade 2019-20(1).pdf
  • Supply List Fourth Grade 2019-20(1).pdf
  • Supply List Kindergarten 2019-20(1).pdf
  • Supply List Second Grade 2019-20(1).pdf
  • Supply List Third Grade 2019-20(1).pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  FXH Summer Reading Packet 2019

  F.X. Hegarty Elementary School Summer Reading Packet 2019

  See attached...

  • Entering 1st Grade 2019.pdf
  • Entering 2nd Grade 2019.pdf
  • Entering 3rd Grade 2019.pdf
  • Entering 4th Grade 2019.pdf
  • Entering Kindergarten 2019.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary