The November Elmont School Board Meeting was well attended. Al Harper, Superintendent and Kathy Safrey, Interim Curriculum Director, presented the District's Report card. Following the presentation of the Report Card, Ms Safery, provided a through review of the district academic program. "The District in 2000, started using a District Wide Curriculum Map" said Ms Safrey. The map and its annual review process by Master teachers are corner stones of the delivery of instruction to Elmont Students.
Technology is a key component assisting teachers with the task of instructing and real time student evaluation. To this end the final phase of smart board installations approved in the 08-09 Budget were completed this summer. Elmont School District is distinguished in this regard as it is a district where technology is now in every classroom district wide and based on the demonstration on Tuesday, the staff has clearly embraced the teaching tool.
Ms Hall, an employee of forty years, retired and was honored by the BoE. Member Deniece Walker spoke on behalf of the board recalling that Maxine was her bus driver when she attended school. Ms. Hall, know in the district a caring, child centered woman will be missed. Ms Hall and daughter Claudine are members of Emanuel Baptist Church.
During the Old Business portion the meeting Member Pamela Byer read excerpts from a letter she received regarding some inappropriately distributed GYO Internet Video. "GYO employees recorded and published this and other Internet videos of our children. What does it say about the adult supervision and employee training at GYO? Who is in charge there? Who is protecting our children in this after school program? Who there respects the privacy and safety of our children? We all know the Internet is a major resource for pedophiles and other child predators. Did GYO tell you that your child's identity was compromised in this GYO Internet video and that you may want to do something to protect his or her identity from being misused or worse?" read Byer. She concluded by recounting her experience on a trip the newly expanded Dutch Broadway program and reiterated her plea for more adult supervision, staff training and accountability. Frank Ragona, President of the Elmont Board, on several occasions appeared agitated as Ms Byer recited from the letter. He interrupted and often attempted to minimize the allegations but ultimately said "If parents don't like the program they can take their children out!".
Seated in the front row at the board meeting was Community Liaison, Norma Debartola, who was visibly disturbed by what she was hearing. Holding her head and rocking back and forth her expression of disgust was palpable. One can only imagine what she was thinking as Ms Byer read the letter and shared her observations.
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