Dr. Stephen Dewey, a renowned neuroscientist at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, held a presentation at the recent meeting of the Roslyn School District’s Board of Trustees. Dewey spoke about the effects of drugs on the teenage brain. The presentation was his second event in the district for parents and community members.
“He does such a compelling job of speaking that we want to have him come back in the spring to speak to our elementary school students,” said Superintendent Dr. Allison Brown. “We are also looking to have him talk to our seniors before they go off to college.”
Dewey gave a comprehensive scientific presentation about the impact of various addictive substances on brain chemistry and neurological development.He covered topics such as how the young brain is especially vulnerable to the effects of drugs and alcohol, the increasing use of addictive substances by children at younger ages and disturbing trends in alcohol abuse among high school and college students.
In his presentation he showed MRI images of a healthy brain and a brain that has suffered impacts of long-term drug abuse. He also showed pictures of long-term alcohol abuse on the brain and body.
In addition to meeting with the board, Dewey did a follow up presentation for students in the 10th, 11th and 12th grades.
Middle School Fountain
Recently, a new memorial garden was unveiled at the Roslyn Middle School in memory of a former teacher in the district. The garden, which was placed in front of the school, is in memory of former science teacher, Noelle Gordon, who passed away in 2015.
“The board, some of our staff members and Noelle Gordon’s family attended the unveiling of the new garden at the middle school. It was a wonderful ceremony,” said Brown. “This garden is a symbol of how much the Roslyn community meant to her.”
In other news, the board voted to approve payments to the Park East Construction Corporation for construction management services reimbursements rendered to the district pertaining to various capital projects listed in the budget. The payments included $5,000 for a district-wide capital project, $15,000 for a capital project at Harbor Hill and $25,000 for a capital project at Roslyn High School. The board also voted to approve payments to KG&D Architects for professional services rendered to the district pertaining to capital improvements at various locations. Some of the payments included $19,764.89 for the bus garage project, $15,839.96 for professional services at Harbor Hill and $6,402.94 for field and site work at East Hills.
The next board meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 8 p.m. at the high school.
