Nearly 7,200 fresh-faced and bright-eyed students returned to Massapequa schools with new backpacks, school supplies and a focus on learning. Grades 1-12 returned on Sept. 2 while kindergartners, in Massapequa tradition, returned to school on Sept. 3.
“We are delighted to welcome back our students and staff and look forward to a year of new growth,” said Superintendent Lucille F. Iconis.
Doors opened with 43 new teachers and a reorganized administrative staff, spurred by the retirements of several longtime staff members. New curriculum initiatives were implemented to better ensure proficiency in writing and math, as the district moves into the fourth year of working with the Common Core Learning Standards. Other curriculum changes include a new reading series by McMillan/McGraw Hill called Wonders for grades second through fifth, and the expansion of the online instructional program, Compass Learning, into all second- and third-grade classrooms.
Marking the second year of the district’s “Learning…Anytime, Anywhere” initiative, the number of students issued Chromebooks as a primary instructional device has expanded from the middle school level to middle school and freshmen at Massapequa High School’s Ames Campus. Among the district’s technology upgrades are new teacher workstations in classrooms, reimaged instructional computers, whiteboard installations and the rollout of Microsoft Office 2013 districtwide.
Improvements to buildings and grounds, such as roof repairs, were made possible through the $37.5 million bond issue that was passed by voters last October. Additional upgrades are forthcoming as permits and approvals are secured.
Massapequa, like all districts across the state, is also working to meet state mandates associated with the teacher evaluation system, APPR (Annual Professional Performance Review), which connects students’ academic growth to professional performance. The district also continues to examine student performance and achievement on the rigorous CCLS-aligned state assessments.
“As we meet these state mandates, our number one priority is to deliver the best core instructional program for our students,” said Iconis. “We have excellent tools and resources, highly skilled staff members and a wonderfully supportive community, key factors that will continue to drive our success, and propel our district forward in the new year.”
