Four Massapequa School District staff members were recognized for their shining contributions to education excellence during SCOPE Education Service’s 15th Annual School District Awards Dinner.
The non-profit organization, which provides educational support services to school districts, presented a SCOPE 2016 Award of Excellence to Dr. Thomas Fasano, Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction; in the category of Administrator Service; Mr. William Herr, Berner Middle School guidance counselor, in the category of Teacher Service; Mr. Michael Draper, Massapequa High School teacher, in the Community Service category; and Mrs. Susan Casquarelli, stenographic secretary, Massapequa Central Administration in the Support Staff Service category.
“These brilliant stars are truly dedicated and talented members of our Massapequa family whose exemplary records shine brightly as models of educational excellence,” said Superintendent Lucille F. Iconis.
Fasano has been the driving force behind the secondary instructional program for the past six years. An educator for 26 years, he spent a portion of his career as Dean of Massapequa High School from 1995-98 and returned to Massapequa Schools in 2008 after serving as Principal of Kings Park High School. Fasano is credited for providing sound guidance and a stable voice to the district, despite the many challenges facing public education.
“His unwavering commitment to student-centered leadership is clear,” wrote his nominator to the SCOPE committee. “His mantra ‘just do the right thing for kids,’ is the cornerstone of all he undertakes. He leads by example.”
“With unmatched talent and expertise in educational leadership, Fasano has facilitated the Student Advisory Council, Science Symposium, and Massapequa Takes Action (MTA), a joint partnership between the district and community,” his nominator wrote. “His commitment to excellence is evident each and every day, making him a bright star that shines on Massapequa.”
Described as a “compassionate, motivational and knowledgeable counselor whose dedication to student academic success and social well-being is always on display,” Herr has been an integral part of the Berner Middle School culture for the past six years. These characteristics also serve in his role as a coach of Cross-Country, Track and Field, and JV Girls Basketball. Also known for his skills in educational technology Herr was one of the first to adopt a staff Twitter handle in the building and his use of new technology continues to inspire faculty and attract students.
“Mr. Herr reaches beyond expectations and becomes involved with programs that support the entire community, including co-facilitating an Active Parenting group,” his nominator wrote. “His even-toned nature is notorious. He is a superior role model for students and staff, and evidence that nice guys do indeed finish first.”
A 1999 graduate of Massapequa Schools, Draper returned to the district in 2005 as a health educator after attending SUNY Cortland, and has displayed “a never-ending willingness to volunteer his time to improve the community in which he grew up,” his nominator wrote. As the advisor for the Key Club, he spearheaded a program called “Stuff a Bus” in 2012, which encouraged the community to fill a school bus with donated nonperishable food and toys for families whose homes were devastated by Super Storm Sandy. This year, he also volunteered to dress up as Santa Claus for the Head Start program, bringing a toy and a smile to underprivileged children in the neighboring town of Amityville. His other contributions include GSA volunteer advisor, Senior Nation peer mentoring program advisor and coordinating donations of money and hair for Wigs for Kids.
Casquarelli began her clerical career in the Massapequa Schools in 2005 at Massapequa High School-Ames Campus and has served the district in the Curriculum Office for the past six-and-a-half years. She is credited for successfully tackling any task that comes her way —from parent concerns to curriculum material needs.
“In all the standards changes and frequent material updates, Sue is a critical member of the team who keeps things working smoothly so that teachers and students have what they need to teach and learn,” wrote her nominator. “When people say it is the secretaries who really run the show, they are talking about people like Sue. She is a tremendous asset to the Massapequa Public Schools and all the children we serve.”
