News & Announcements

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  Ms. Krysten Nielsen as School Psychologis

  February 28, 2020

  Dear Parents:

  On Monday, February 10, 2020, the Board of Education appointed Ms. Krysten Nielsen as School Psychologist. Ms. Nielsen joins us from the North Merrick School District where she served as a Leave Replacement School Psychologist. Prior to this, she worked in the Merrick School District. She holds a Masters in Psychology and an Advanced Certificate in School Psychology from St. John’s University.

  Ms. Nielsen also earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the University of Hartford.

  Please join us in welcoming Ms. Nielson. She will be available to meet with parents at parent-teacher conferences on Thursday, March 19, 2020.
  Sincerely,

  Cynthia Cameron
  Principal

  • Psychologist K Nielsen.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Message From Superintendent - Coronavirus

  Dear Families,

  I am writing as follow-up to a meeting that I attended today with the Nassau County Health (NCDH) Commissioner, Lawrence Eisenstein M.D., regarding the novel Coronavirus (COVID 19).

  As you know from media coverage, Coronavirus is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. Symptoms include fever, cough and trouble breathing or shortness of breath. Thousands of cases have been confirmed in China and new cases have been diagnosed in a number of countries, including the U.S. To date, no case of the virus has been confirmed in New York State.

  Dr. Eisenstein provided the following information:

  • Doctors are familiar with a variety of common Coronaviruses; however, COVID 19 is a novel (new) strain. There are currently four types of common Coronaviruses transmitted person to person in the U.S. and most countries around the world. The common cold as well as SARS are in the family of Coronaviruses.  Coronaviruses also cause a variety of diseases in animals and birds such as cows, pigs, and chickens. It is believed that a Coronavirus present in an animal jumped the species barrier to humans causing the new strain.
  • Generally, the incubation period for common Coronaviruses is 2-5 days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are being very conservative in their management of the disease by keeping individuals quarantined for up to 14 days from the first day of exposure.
  • The NCDH is being alerted by the NYS Department of State when someone has been exposed to the illness and is being monitored or quarantined.
  • Researchers at the University of Texas are developing a vaccine for the new Coronavirus, but it will take a minimum of one year until one is ready for distribution.

  Dr. Eisenstein provided the following advice:

  • The NCDH will alert school districts directly if there is cause for concern, including families in the district who have been exposed to the virus and are subject to quarantine.
  • This is flu season and it is not too late for adults and children to be vaccinated for the flu. By vaccinating against the flu, more people can remain healthy. Fewer cases of flu will help lessen the demand on health care workers and other resources, should the new Coronavirus emerge.
  • It is believed the new Coronavirus, like the flu, spreads through infected water droplets from coughs and sneezes, especially when people are within 6 feet of one another. Students must continue to be taught to cough and sneeze into a tissue that can be disposed of; however, if they do not have a tissue, they should cough and sneeze into their arm. All adults must model this behavior.
  • Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or cleaning hands with a sanitizer (of at least 60% alcohol) is the best defense against transmission. This is because infected water droplets from coughs and sneezes transmit germs when they enter someone else's eyes, nose or mouth. Because it is not known how long the virus “lives” on surfaces, we must not touch our eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed/unsanitized hands.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NYS Education Department (SED), and Nassau County Department of Health (NCDH) suggest:
  • The risk to residents and students is low. At this time of year, there are many possible causes for respiratory illness. Therefore, there is no need to cancel school or students’ social events, and there is no need for students or school staff to wear surgical masks at school.
  • Schools should continue to clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

  Please know that the District is working to keep our students and employees healthy by following established standard precautions. This includes daily cleaning and sanitizing protocols for high touch point areas as outlined by the CDC, SED, and NCDH.

  We will keep you informed of any changes. Please visit our website and FB pages for timely communications.
  Thank you.

  Yours sincerely,

  Rosmarie T. Bovino, Ed.D.
  Superintendent of Schools

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Physical Fitness on Display

  Relays, sports challenges, dances and free play were among the activities that parents witnessed at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School’s Physical Education Demo on Feb. 4 and 5. The annual event serves as an opportunity to showcase the teamwork, sportsmanship and fitness skills that are incorporated into the district’s physical education program.

  This year’s event featured a retro video games theme, which was emphasized through decorations and music. Many students also wore attire that featured their favorite games and characters. Under the guidance of physical education teachers Annie Bennett-Neglia and Dominic Barone, who dressed as Mario and Luigi, a variety of games and activities were showcased that focused on exercise while parents cheered from the stands. 

  Physical activity provides children and youth with many opportunities to grow physically, socially and emotionally. The district encourages parents to keep their children active outside of school to help support and promote healthy lifestyles.

  Lincoln Orens Middle School hosted a sixth-grade Physical Education demo in January and will highlight seventh- and eighth-grade athletes at Sports Night in May.

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Hegarty Celebrates Valentines and Veterans

  Students at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School in Island Park took a special approach to Valentine’s Day festivities with a tribute to the community’s veterans on Feb. 14. Veterans from American Legion Post 1029, many of whom are district alumni, visited the building and received a warm welcome in the library. They introduced themselves and discussed their roles as servicemen and servicewoman, and were presented with handmade gifts from the students.

  The children and adults then sat together at tables to construct Valentine’s Day cards that they filled with positive messages and illustrated with symbols of kindness and caring. The cards, created from craft supplies and other decorations, were distributed to other veterans on Long Island as a token of appreciation.

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Board Meeting Brings Student Recognitions

  The Island Park Public Schools’ Jan. 27 Board of Education Meeting featured student achievements, district news and important information regarding the LIPA lawsuit.

  The evening began with a spotlight on Students of the Month who represented each grade at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School and Lincoln Orens Middle School. Kylie Harper (kindergarten), Brianna McNally (grade 1), Jonah Naccha (grade 2), Maya Lubold (grade 3), Denis Manzanares Pena (grade 4), Jameson Nurnberger (grade 5), Rachel Guzman (grade 6), Adrianna Fandaros (grade 7) and Daniella Kouletsis (grade 8) received medals and certificates of excellence. Kindergartner Melina Pothos, who was unable to attend her Student of the Month recognition in December, joined this group to accept her award and prizes. Principals Cynthia Cameron and Dr. Bruce Hoffman read remarks from the students’ respective teachers that described their excellent character and positive leadership qualities.

  Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rosmarie Bovino shared positive announcements regarding graduates. The total Long Beach High School graduation rate as well as that pertaining specifically to Island Park students is 96%. The Class of 2019’s Island Park students attained Advanced Regents Diploma and Regents Diploma rates of 40% and 48.6%, respectively.

  “The students are performing well, and I think that’s a terrific sign of things to come as we move forward,” Dr. Bovino said.

  The meeting also included an update on the district’s lawsuit against LIPA and steps that are being taken to advocate for tax relief for the community. There has still been no decision rendered by Justice Emerson with regard to Island Park, although there is the strong likelihood a summary judgment will be issued in LIPA’s favor.

  Nassau County’s settlement with LIPA to implement a PILOT, which has yet to be approved by the County Legislature, was outlined at a community meeting on Jan. 21 and can be viewed online at www.barrettsettlement.com. It is also on the district website.

  The district is working with its elected officials to explore options that would mitigate the settlement’s impact on Island Park residents. This includes seeking passage of a state Senate bill that provides financial assistance to local governments (including school districts) that experience financial distress due to successful tax certiorari challenges or settlements. The district is also advocating for a change in its combined wealth ratio, a large factor in determining the amount of state aid allocated to school districts. It will additionally consider how unrestricted reserve funds can be used to help lessen the impact of PILOTs or new Property Tax Assessments, i.e., Adjusted Base Proportions on homeowners. To view recent reports and information, please visit www.ips.k12.ny.us.

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Culture of kindness shines in Island Park

  Island Park’s culture of kindness was especially plentiful during No Name-Calling Week, observed between Jan. 21-24. With the goal of promoting safe and caring environments, Lincoln Orens Middle School and Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School each held activities based on the district’s Six Pillars of Character: Respect, caring, trustworthiness, fairness, citizenship and responsibility.

  Guidance counselor Andrea Porzelt and school social workers Allison Janofsky and Felicita Carranza coordinated an assortment of initiatives that emphasized positive behaviors and actions.

  Lincoln Orens held a “Kindness Counts” campaign in which teachers handed out certificates to students seen demonstrating kindness. At the end of the week, those recognized were entered into a raffle for a snack pass. A mural created by art teacher Naomi Seifert illustrating the six pillars was displayed in the hallway and a No Name Calling Week poem written by Student Council members was read over the PA system. Students promised to carry ethical values into the future and signed a No Name-Calling Week Pledge.

  Hegarty students read and discussed kindness quotes during morning announcements and reviewed related activities such as Anti-Bullying Week and Acts of Kindness Month. They reinforced the significance of the paper chain that was created in December and remains on display in the cafeteria as a year-round symbol of kindness. An at-home activity prompted students to express themselves by listing qualities they would like their peers to notice they possess. The elementary students culminated the week with a special “crumpled paper” exercise that shed light on the lasting negative impact of bullying, while simultaneously promoting empathy and compassion.

  At both schools, students and staff members dressed to show their support of the six pillars. Each day, they wore specific colors representative of the qualities discussed.

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  FLES Open House

  World Language Program Open House.
  See attached for details...

  • En espanol - FLES Open House.pdf
  • FLES Open House.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  F.X. Hegarty Parent /Teacher Conferences

  Parent /Teacher Conferences will be held at F.X. Hegarty Elementary School on Thursday, March 19, 2020.

  See attached for details...

  • FXH Parent Teacher Conference.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
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  Pre-Kindergarten Parent/Teacher Conferences

  Parent /Teacher Conferences will be held at the Lincoln Orens Middle School on Thursday, March 12, 2020 in your child's classroom.
  
  See PDF attached for details...

  • UPK Parent Teacher Conference.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary
• featured post

  Flu Season

  January 24, 2020

  Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

  As a friendly reminder, the flu season is upon us and it is important to recognize symptoms of the flu, which can affect children in different ways. Symptoms may include headache, fever, chills, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat and/or cough, fatigue, vomiting and/or diarrhea, and may include shortness of breath.

  The flu spreads by:

  - airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes)
   -skin-to-skin contact (handshakes or hugs)
   -saliva (kissing or shared drinks)
   -touching a contaminated surface (blanket or doorknob)

  Thorough hand washing is a good preventative measure to help the spread of the flu virus.

  If your child is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, please keep your child home and contact your physician immediately. Please do not send your child to school. Children should not return to school until they are without a fever for 24 hours and have a note of clearance from your physician.

  In addition, be sure to call to notify the school of your child’s absence and/or use the on-line absence form at www.ips.k12.ny.us. Click on the Absence Form under Quick Links, select Francis X. Hegarty School, fill it out, and click to submit.

  Thank you for your cooperation.

  Sincerely,

  Cynthia Cameron
  Principal

  • En espanol-Flu Season - 1 24 20.pdf
  • Flu Season - 1 24 20.pdf

  Francis X. Hegarty Elementary