News & Announcements

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  Letter To Parents: Cold Weather

  Dear Parents,

  As winter approaches the cold weather will soon be upon us.  Therefore, please be mindful that all children should come to school wearing heavy coats, pants, and a hat.  Children will have the opportunity to go outside if the temperature, including wind chill, is above 32 degrees.  However, if children do not have proper attire they will be kept inside for obvious health reasons.  In addition to wearing protective clothing, we ask that hand washing also be reinforced in the home, to promote overall hygiene and to avoid the flu and common illnesses.  We are focusing on this, as well, in school.

  Thank you for your attention.

  Sincerely,

  Cynthia Cameron
  Principal

  • Letter to Parents cold weather 2019.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Career Day

  Dear Parents: 

  Career Day will soon be upon us.  We are currently looking for volunteers to be presenters for Career Day, a school-wide program that includes grades K-4.  In order to make this day a success, we are asking for your assistance.  Volunteers are needed to present a variety of careers that can be shared with the children. 

  The program will take place on Thursday, February 27, 2020.  Based on the number of volunteers there will be one or two sessions scheduled throughout the day.  Each volunteer will be asked to visit 2-3 classrooms to discuss their career.  The discussion will last 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute question and answer period. If you feel your career is more appropriate for a particular age, please indicate below. 

  Please complete the attached tear-off form, indicating whether or not you are interested in participating in this special day and your choice of session.  Please return this form by Friday, November 22, 2019. 

  As always, thank you for your support. 

  Sincerely,  

  Cynthia Cameron
  Principal

  • Career Day 2019.pdf
  • En espanol - Career Day 2019.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Hegarty’s Winners Walk Supports Research for Aniridia Treatments

  Island Park’s Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School held its annual Winners Walk, organized by the Student Council in collaboration with the physical education department, on Oct. 25. This year’s event benefitted the Aniridia Foundation International to support research for better treatment of a genetic condition that affects the eyes and causes visual difficulties.  

  Classes from each grade gathered on the field, where students excitedly ran and walked while motivating each other. Some took on their goals independently, while others moved in synchronization with partners and groups of friends. Physical Education teachers Annie Bennet-Neglia and Dominick Barone led the way and encouraged the students to keep moving forward.

  Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rosmarie Bovino was proud of the school’s team effort. She taught students at Hegarty about Aniridia a few days prior to the event. Parents watched the Winners Walk from the sidelines and cheered students on in their quest to support a meaningful cause and enjoy physical activity.

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Island Park Schools Promote Positive Decisions for Red Ribbon Week

  Island Park’s Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School and Lincoln Orens Middle School both observed Red Ribbon Week from Oct. 21-25, during which they focused on the importance of positive, healthy and responsible choices. This year presented the theme, “Send a Message, Stay Drug Free,” and featured an assortment of activities, lessons and events.

  Students heard announcements that emphasized key messages throughout the week. They signed pledges stating their promise to stay drug free and wore clothing that represented the initiative’s purpose. Students and faculty donned superhero shirts in a united fight against drugs, sported college apparel signifying the importance of the future and dressed in clothing with positive statements and words over the course of the week.

  On Oct. 25, students and staff members at each building wore red for special culminating traditions. Those at Lincoln Orens convened on the blacktop to form a giant red ribbon, and Hegarty took on their Winners Walk fundraising event. Hegarty students also submitted their own stay Drug Free” drawings and messages that were compiled to create a bulletin display.

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Island Park Students Learn About Differences

  Island Park’s Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rosmarie Bovino visited Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School on Oct. 23 to present on an important topic in anticipation of the annual Winner’s Walk. This year’s walk will benefit the Aniridia Foundation International to support research for better treatment, and Dr. Bovino discussed the significance of this effort and educated students on what the condition is.   

  Aniridia is a genetic disorder that affects the eyes – specifically, the development of the irises. It can cause difficulty focusing and blurred and double vision. Dr. Bovino read a poem that she wrote, in which she emphasizes that people are all different and all valuable. She expressed that disabilities occur for various reasons and shared her own family’s story,.

  As stated in Dr. Bovino’s poem, “Children are very much the same as well as different. But, most importantly, all are wonderfully made.”

  The students and staff members at Hegarty are proud to support a meaningful cause that will help make a difference to others.

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Thanksgiving Food Drive

  Island Park School District
  F.X. Hegarty School

  Thanksgiving Food Drive
  November 4-20, 2019

  The Student Council is once again sponsoring a Thanksgiving food drive.  Please participate and help to continue this wonderful tradition.  Students can donate canned and packaged goods to help families in need.  These items will help families in our community celebrate Thanksgiving and help fill their pantries.  Your contributions can be brought into school beginning Monday, November 4^th through Wednesday, November 20^th.  Student Council members will stop by the classrooms to collect any items.  Each year the boxes are overflowing and show the extraordinary spirit of the students at F.X. Hegarty School.  As our children add their contributions, they are learning that giving is a joyful experience.  If you would like to make a monetary donation, please place it in an envelope labeled “Student Council-Thanksgiving Food Drive.”

  The following are suggestions of the items needed: 

  Kindergarten: rice, instant potatoes, breakfast or granola bars, cereal, pancake mix, syrup

  First Grade: canned fruit, raisins, muffin mix, cake mix, frosting, peanut butter, jelly (plastic jars)

  Second Grade: pasta, tomato sauce (canned), grated cheese, macaroni and cheese, tuna fish

  Third Grade: canned gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, soup, pudding, and Jell-O, nuts

  Fourth Grade: canned vegetables, juice (canned, plastic bottles, or boxed), coffee, tea, hot chocolate 

  Thank you for your support.  If you have any questions, contact Denise Benedetto or Patricia Pozin, Student Council Advisors.

  • Thanksgiving Food Drive 2019.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Sex Offenders Are Residing in Island Park

  The Nassau County Police Department has notified us that two level 2 sex offenders are residing in Island Park. One is located near a current bus stop. In response, parents of children in the immediate vicinity have been notified of the new bus stop location effective this afternoon, October 29. Any student affected will also receive a flyer in their backpacks from our Transportation Department.

  The information on these sex offenders is on the NYS Department of Criminal Justice website: www.criminaljustice.ny.gov.

  It is unfortunate, but necessary that we all take this opportunity to review safety rules with our children at school and at home. They must be reminded to avoid circumstances that might increase their vulnerability. Please be mindful of your child’s personal safety when playing outside and trick-or-treating for Halloween.

  Thank you.

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  FXH LED Sign

  The FXH LED sign is under repair.  We are waiting for the delivery and installation of parts and hope to have it restored in the next two weeks.

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Island Park Board of Education Meeting Brings Many Recognitions

  At the Island Park Public Schools’ Oct. 21 Board of Education Meeting, many individuals were honored for their contributions to the district. The evening included student recognitions, Board of Education honors, district updates and presentations.

  The meeting began with the announcement of Students of the Month who represented each grade at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School and Lincoln Orens Middle School. Emerson Fichtelberg (kindergarten), Alexandra Rodgers (grade 1), Declan Llewellyn (grade 2), Kevin Weber (grade 3), Giselle Ventura (grade 4), Daniel Perez (grade 5), Vincent Aupied (grade 6), Daniel Brenner (grade 7) and Kirsten Lilly (grade 8) received medals and certificates of excellence. Principals Cynthia Cameron and Dr. Bruce Hoffman read remarks from the students’ respective teachers that described the ways they go the extra mile and serve as positive leaders and role models.

  The focus then turned to the artwork that was displayed around the conference room. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rosmarie Bovino noted that the featured pieces were showcased for the board’s enjoyment, since students are at the heart of their efforts. Artists Isabella Mejia-Acevedo, Katie Flaniken, Christian Colon, Kayla Carney, Maxene Martin, Jillian Goldbach and Sage Muckle were congratulated with Art Achievement Certificates.

  In honor of Governor Cuomo’s designation of Oct. 21-25 as School Board Recognition Week, several groups expressed gratitude to President Jack Vobis, Vice President Diana Caracciolo and trustees Kathleen McDonough, Tara Byrne and Ray Miley for their volunteer service to Island Park Schools. Representatives of the Administrators Association, Faculty Association, Secretarial Association and Parent Teacher Association provided board members with gifts in the form of scholarship fund and gift card donations, briefcases and laptop cases and flowers.

  Also at this meeting, Dr. Bovino reviewed the bond and capital projects that have been completed and are on the horizon for the spring and summer. She noted that the basketball courts at Lincoln Orens are almost complete and the district will be going out to bid for summer projects including the STEM lab, art room, science lab, and main office at the middle school.

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Parent/Teacher Conferences

  Dear Parents:                                                                                                  

  Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held at F.X. Hegarty Elementary School on Thursday, November 21, 2019.  Conferences should allow for you and your child’s teacher to discuss specific aspects about your child’s progress in school and to be updated about your child’s participation in special programs.  Parents must access and print out their child’s report card using the online parent portal on the Island Park Schools’ website:  http://www.ips.k12.ny.us.  If you cannot access the portal, please call the office for assistance.

  Please take note of the following information.  On Thursday, November 21, all students will be dismissed at 11:45 a.m., and there will be no After Care.  Regular bus transportation will be available, but lunch will not be served.  All teachers and support staff will be present during the following times.

  Thursday, November 21, 2019

  12:50 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
  6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.              

  While we believe it is important to see every teacher, please remember that discussion is limited to 10 minutes.   Here are some time-saving tips:

  • Make a list of the special area teachers you want to see in the order you need to see them.
  • The afternoon conferences will be less crowded. If you are able to attend the afternoon conference, please do so. It will alleviate crowds at both sessions.
  • Have a copy of your child’s report card printed from the online portal.

  If you feel that you need more time to see your child’s teacher, please call the school and make an appointment:

  If you did not sign up for parent teacher conferences at Back to School Night, please indicate on the attached sheet if you prefer an afternoon or an evening conference.

  We look forward to meeting with you and appreciate your continuing cooperation.   Please call the school psychologist, Mrs. Meghan Terzulli, at 516-434-2686 if you require a translator. 

  Sincerely,

  Cynthia Cameron
  Principal

  • En espanol-Parent-Teacher Conference NOV-2019.pdf
  • Parent-Teacher Conference NOV-2019.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Internet safety in Island Park

  Island Park’s Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School and Lincoln Orens Middle School continued their ongoing efforts to promote security for students in the online world during Internet Safety presentations held on Oct. 10 and 11. Both buildings provided lessons and discussions on this topic, which has increased in significance with the growing use of technology.

  The presentations, tailored to the age groups of their audiences, addressed steps one should take to protect themselves online. At Hegarty, Social Worker Felicita Carranza led lunchtime discussions with third and fourth graders. She focused on what information is appropriate to share online and how to identify friends vs. strangers.

  Lincoln Orens Social Worker Allison Janofsky and Computer Teacher Michael Giardino reviewed responsibilities, risks and precautions associated with social media, websites and other resources. They shared helpful tips such as turning off location settings on social media apps and keeping personal information private. Cyberbullying prevention was also incorporated. 

  This was just one of many initiatives that the district coordinates throughout the year to educate students on ways to stay safe both in and outside of school.

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Emergency Evacuation/Safety Drills for Dismissal

  Dear Parents:

  As part of the State Mandated Emergency Plan, we are required to conduct Emergency Evacuation/Safety Drills for Dismissal.  On Friday, November 1 and Wednesday, November 27, students will leave the Hegarty School at approximately 2:45 p.m. and walk to the Island Park Public Library on Long Beach Road where they will briefly shelter and then board school buses to go home. 

  Children will be supervised by school staff and assisted by the Nassau County Police.  The process should take about 45 minutes.  Buses are expected to bring the children to their stop at about the usual time.  However, the bus may arrive earlier or later than normally scheduled.   Parents are asked to plan accordingly.  Please avoid changing your child’s customary dismissal routine on November 1 and November 27. 

  AT THE CONCLUSION OF EACH DRILL, STUDENTS WILL BE DISMISSED AS FOLLOWS:

  • Bus Students will be escorted to their buses in the library parking lot. Parents should arrive at the bus stop by 3:15 p.m.
  • Walkers and students being driven home will return to Hegarty School with their teachers. They will be dismissed at the school.  Parents should wait for their child(ren) at the school since it will not be possible to move vehicles on Long Beach Road.  Upon return to the building, Deal Road walkers will be dismissed at the front of the school.
  • When picking up your child upon his/her return to school, you will be asked to sign him/her out. Students who attend After Care will meet their caregivers in front of the school. 

  Since we must plan for emergencies occurring at any time, the drills will be conducted rain or shine.  Children should dress for outdoors and/or inclement weather.  We ask for your cooperation and patience during this important New York State required exercise.  If you have any questions, please call the Hegarty School office. 

  Sincerely,

  Cynthia Cameron
  Principal

  • En espanol-FXH Evacuation 2019(1).pdf
  • FXH Evacuation 2019(1).pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Car Wash Fundraiser

  Island Park PTA
  Car Wash Fundraiser
  Bring this flyer every Wednesday from October 16^th through December 18^th and Island Park Car Wash will donate a portion of your purchase to ISLAND PARK PTA.

  • PTA FUNDRAISER CAR WASH.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary