News & Announcements

• featured post

  Bedtime Stories with Grandpa Bernie

  Bedtime Stories with
  Grandpa Bernie

  Ages 4 - 8

  Wednesday, November 28th
  at 6:30 p.m.

  Local author, Bernard Ditchik will read
  some delightful tales from his book,
  “Grandpa Bernie’s Bedtime Stories,”
  that are sure to help your little one settle down.

  Island Park Public Library 176 Long Beach Rd. Island Park, NY 11558
  (516) 432-0122 ~ www.islandparklibrary.org

  • Bedtime Stories with Grandpa Bernie.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  FRANCIS X. HEGARTY HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

  FRANCIS X. HEGARTY
  HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE REMINDER
  Thursday, November 29th & Friday, November 30th

  The boutique will be set up at school and will be run by parent volunteers. A variety of gifts are available-reasonably priced (ranging from $2.00-$12.00). Attached you will find a budget envelope to allow you to decide together how much can be spent on each gift.

  The holiday boutique is designed to be a safe, child-centered environment where children can learn how to budget and spend wisely, while they also experience the "Joy of Giving".

  If you have any questions, or would like to VOLUNTEER please contact us at islandparkpta11558@gmail.com

   

  • FXH Holiday Boutique 2018.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  Hegarty students make meaningful moves

  Students and staff members at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School in Island Park warmed up the chilly field on Oct. 26, when they walked and ran for a cause. Organized by the Student Council in collaboration with the physical education department, the annual Winners Walk promoted physical activity and provided a fun, uplifting atmosphere while raising funds to support the Sunrise Association.

  Classes from each grade came together and moved with encouragement from parents, motivational posters and signs that adorned the fences. Teamwork was key, and many students helped their peers along and stayed by friends’ sides throughout the morning of exercise. Teachers and Principal Jacob Russum participated with enthusiasm and helped boost school spirit.

  Student Council members helped spread the word to their families and friends prior to the event, with the guidance of teachers and advisors Patricia Pozin and Denise Benedetto. Their $1,727 donation will enable children with cancer and their siblings to attend Sunrise Day Camps and receive memorable, meaningful and enjoyable summers while continuing their treatments.

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  FXH Parent/Teacher Conferences

  Dear Parents:                                                                                                  

  Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held at F.X. Hegarty Elementary School on Thursday, November 29, 2018.  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 29, 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 29, 2018

  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, 

  Jacob M. Russum
  Principal

  • Parent-Teacher Conference 2018.pdf
  • Spanish-Parent-Teacher Conference 2018.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  Thanksgiving Food Drive

  Island Park School District
  F.X. Hegarty School

  Thanksgiving Food Drive 
  November 5-16, 2018

  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 5^th through Friday, November 16^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.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  Letter to Parents Cold Weather

  November 2, 2018

  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,

  Jacob M. Russum
  Principal

  • Letter to Parents cold weather 2018.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  Island Park Board of Education meeting highlights accomplishments all-around

  The Island Park Public Schools’ Oct. 22 Board of Education Meeting featured 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. Valentina Raffa (kindergarten), Jocelyn Morales (grade 1), Andrew Ruiz (grade 2), Andy Conteh (grade 3), Julia Stevenson (grade 4), Ayden Medina (grade 5), Nikki Rose Kane (grade 6), Nico Thertus (grade 7) and Thomas Murphy (grade 8) received medals and certificates of excellence. Principals Jacob Russum 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.

  Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rosmarie Bovino discussed the student artwork that was displayed around the conference room. She noted that several pieces were showcased for the board’s enjoyment, since students are the focus of their work. Caitlin Admin, Valentina Boncina, Michelle Contreras, Katelyn Doyle, Katelyn Lee, Martin Maxene, Paige Perrone, Jaime Rodriguez, Zoe Seitz, Julia Stevenson and Nevaeh Ziegler were congratulated with Art Achievement Certificates.

  In honor of Governor Cuomo’s designation of Oct. 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 donations, plants for the school grounds and gift cards that will be used for purposes that support students and learning.

  Assistant Superintendent Vincent Randazzo reported on the district’s new science programs and discussed the New York State Education Department’s implementation plan for new science standards. He discussed research findings about the learning of scientific concepts and the goal to prepare students for jobs of the future in STEM fields. HMH and Dimensions, the two programs that are being piloted at Hegarty and Lincoln Orens, provide students with hands-on learning opportunities where they receive authentic experiences and make their own discoveries.  

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  PRETZEL DAY

  Wednesday, November 21^st 

  $1.25 Per Pretzel 

  These pretzels are freshly baked each morning at “The Pretzel Stop Inc.” in Rockville Centre.  Philadelphia style soft pretzels are large, doughy, salt covered & taste delicious.

  These pretzels are also “nut free.”

  Volunteers are needed for Pretzel Day. Without parental participation, we cannot continue this program. Children love to see their parents in the school. If you are available, please contact the committee chairpersons, Beth Murphy 516-375-6730 or Val Emerson at 516-244-4272.

  Future Pretzel Days

  January 16^th, March 13^th
  May15^th

  (Pretzel day is NOW held only 5 months this school year)
  PTA forms and flyers are also available on the IP schools website and PTA Facebook Page 

  TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER!!

  • Pretzel Day November 2018.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  Stranger Danger

  Dear Parents/Guardians and Staff:

  Please be aware that the school district has received information that on Thursday, October 25 at approximately 8:15 AM, a male middle school student reported that a white car pulled over near the bus stop at Island Parkway West and offered the student a ride. After the student refused, the car reportedly drove off.  The event was reported to the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) and is currently under review by the authorities.

  It is important for parents to remind their children about basic safety rules to follow when and if they are confronted by a stranger.  Students should be reminded to avoid going near or entering any vehicles not known to them, and to report such instances immediately to a responsible adult. If your children make you aware of any incidents similar to the one above, please call your child’s Principal and the Police and inform them as soon as possible.  Parents are encouraged to arrange for children to walk together, if they cannot accompany and stay with their child until the bus arrives.  

  Thank you

  Mr. Randazzo
  Assistant Superintendent

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  Hegarty Emergency Evacuation/Early Dismissal Drills

  Dear Parents: 

  As part of the State Mandated Emergency Plan, we are required to conduct Emergency Evacuation/Early Dismissal Drills.  On Friday, November 2 and Wednesday, November 21, dismissal will occur at 2:45 p.m.  On both of these days, students will leave the Hegarty School 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 2 and November 21.  

  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,

  Jacob M. Russum
  Principal

   

  • Evacuation Letter 2018.pdf
  • Evacuation Letter Spanish 2018.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  Island Park students zone in on safety

  Safety is a priority in the Island Park Public Schools, and recent programs presented opportunities for students to brush up on important practices and rules that support overall wellness. Students at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School and Pre-K students at Lincoln Orens Middle School attended fire safety sessions, and both schools held internet safety presentations.

  Members of the Island Park Fire Department visited the Pre-K and elementary classes on Oct. 5, when they discussed what to do in case of emergencies. They explained the functions of fire detection alarms and other safety devices, and reviewed when to call 911. Children then toured the fire trucks and explored how the firefighters act fast to help stop disasters and save lives.

  Internet safety assemblies were held at Lincoln Orens on Oct. 4 and 5, and those at Hegarty took place on Oct. 11 and 12. School social workers and administrators focused on measures that students should take to protect themselves online. They covered anti-bullying strategies and responsible internet use, with age-appropriate lessons for each grade level.

  Earlier this school year, Hegarty held its annual bus safety drill during the first week of school to serve as a reminder for bus rules. Drivers and staff members emphasized the importance of wearing seatbelts and remaining seated on the bus, and also led practices in emergency exits.

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  The Flu

  Influenza (also Known as flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. Flu is different from a cold, and usually comes on suddenly. Each year flu viruses cause millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospital stays and thousands or tens of thousands of deaths in the United States.

  Flu can be very dangerous for Children. CDC estimates that between 6,000 and 26,000 children younger than 5 years have been hospitalized each year in the United States because of influenza.

  What parents should know see attached to read more…

  • Flu Information.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  UPK Registration, Thurs Oct. 4

  An unexpected UPK vacancy has occurred. The new Registration date to fill this place is Thursday, October 4, at FXH Elementary School.
  If the district receives more than 1 application, the Board will have a special meeting to conduct a lottery drawing of all eligible students.

  See attached for details...

  • Spanish-Spots avail pre-k registration sept 2018(1).pdf
  • Spots avail pre-k registration sept 2018(2).pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary

• Universal Pre-Kindergarten

  Island Park School District
  Island Park, NY 11558

  June 20, 2018

  Dear Parents and Community Members,

  One place is now available for parents interested in enrolling their eligible child in the District’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten program beginning on Tuesday, September 4!

  The program is a full-day, five day per week program for children turning four-years old by December 1, 2018. 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!  If more applications are received than slots available, a lottery will be conducted at the next Board of Education Meeting on July 11, 2018 at 7:00 pm. Please call (516) 434-2670 for additional information.

  UPK registration will be on July 6, 2018 by appointment only. Please call Francis X. Hegarty School 434-2670/71 between 9am-3pm for your registration packet and to schedule an appointment.

  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, 2018.
  • 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.

  Should other openings occur during the summer, those children not selected at the lottery on July 11 will be notified in the order in which their name was selected.

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

  • Spots avail pre-k registration additional 6-2018.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary