Students throughout the Lynbrook Public School District recognized the millions who were massacred during the Holocaust in recognition of Holocaust Remembrance Day on Jan. 27.

At North and South middle schools and Lynbrook High School, eighth and tenth graders gathered to view “The Barn,” a sobering documentary that features Rachel Kastner and her grandfather, Karl Shapiro, as they follow his story of survival in the face of unspeakable evil. In Ukraine, a Polish farmer hid Karl and seventeen other Jews for a year and a half in a secret basement underneath his barn. The emotional journey takes Rachel and Karl to the place Karl swore he would never return. Although the memories were difficult to recount, Rachel experienced the tight living conditions her grandfather lived through and understood the insurmountable odds he overcame to survive.

The students watched attentively and empathetically connected to the struggle Karl experienced not long ago. Rachel joined the livestream of the documentary and spoke to students to answer questions about the experience. Students submitted engaging questions about the things she learned about her family and the many Jews attacked during the Holocaust. Rachel’s story exemplified the importance of passing down such stories through generations.

At the elementary schools, students honored the victims and their families through artistic expression. Beautiful butterfly murals stand at Marion Street, Waverly Park and West End, which acknowledge the individuals lost and promote messages of hope. West End students met virtually in the morning as Principal Leah Murray read the book, “Martin and Anne,” by Nancy Churnin, which recounts the struggles of Marin Luther King Jr. and Anne Frank, who were born the same year. Fifth graders in social studies classes at each building engaged in lessons about the Holocaust, emphasizing the importance of recognizing this harrowing event.

Date Added: 1/27/2023

The Lynbrook Public School’s regular Board of Education meeting kicked-off on Dec. 7 with the Bern Seiderman Art Gallery’s presentation of the Winter Gala Festival of the Arts show at Lynbrook High School, which features works from students in grades 9-12 in Michael Kunz, Vincent Lentini and Thomas Sena and Jennifer Turner’s art classes.

Next, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Melissa Burak, highlighted the three team finalists in the District’s Project L.I.F.T.O.F.F. These students researched and designed microgravity-themed experiments, one of which will be sent for testing on the International Space Station. Dr. Burak named each finalist and their respective projects. She also announced that all students can start submitting designs for the Mission Patch Art and Design Competition. The winning Mission Patch will join the winning experiment on its journey to space.

Trustee Sean Murray shared an update from the Facilities Committee, which met to discuss upcoming Capital Improvement projects. They will bring their recommendations to the board, prioritizing projects that deal with student health and safety and the student learning experience. Mr. Murray also shared an update on the Policy Committee, which discussed the implementation of public sales on school properties, including games of chance. The Policy Committee also discussed updates to the homebound instruction policy and the harassment and bullying policy, namely cyberbullying, as well as a clarification of procedures if a board member resigns from office.

Trustee Tara Aragona shared information on the concert clothing drives, which will be open at the Friends of Music table at each upcoming school concert.

Trustee Ellen Marcus provided an update on the DEI Committee, which met to discuss the prevention of acts of hate on school property, the importance of fostering an environment of understanding and inclusion and expanding opportunities for high school students to share their experiences with elementary students.

During the superintendent’s report, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Dr. Gerard Beleckas, discussed four new courses coming to Lynbrook High School. They include Introduction to Woodworking, Business Law, Drone Programming and Piloting, and AP Pre-Calculus. The Assessment/Weighting/Grading Commission had 29 community members in attendance for its first meeting on Nov. 22. The group had lively discussions on the goal and purpose of assessing students, particularly regarding homework and the difference between formative and summative assessments. The large group will be split into three to discuss assessment, weighting and grading practices within related disciplines.

Assistant Superintendent for Finance, Operations and Information Systems, Dr. Paul Lynch, announced that the board awarded contracts for the Waverly Park tennis courts, basketball courts and pickleball courts, and the High School library renovation. Bids for the North Middle School and Marion Street turf fields will be sent out soon.

Board President William Belmont read the sympathy resolution for Roseann Minikel, who served as an English teacher at Lynbrook High School for 30 years.

Date Added: 12/12/2022