Beach Street Middle School in West Islip is the only...

Beach Street Middle School in West Islip is the only school statewide to be named a 2024 School of Distinction by the Association for Middle Level Education.  Credit: West Islip School District

Beach Street Middle School in West Islip is among 17 schools nationwide — and the only one in the state — to be named a 2024 School of Distinction by the Association for Middle Level Education.

The school, which has an enrollment of about 400 students, is now part of a network of academic institutions that can “learn from and support each other,” the association said. Recognition is awarded on a four-year cycle and schools must reapply after each cycle to maintain their status.

To be selected, the school completed a review process that measured implementation of best practices and continuous improvement plans, and also included a series of interviews with students and staff. The program’s evaluation criteria are anchored in the association’s landmark position paper on best practices in the middle grades, titled “The Successful Middle School: This We Believe,” now in its fifth edition since it was first published in 1982.

“This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our students, staff and community in fostering an educationally sound and supportive environment where every child can thrive academically and socially,” said West Islip schools Superintendent Paul Romanelli.

The key practices that led to Beach Street’s recognition include project-based learning that enables students to collaborate with peers and foster ownership of their education, and “robust” extracurricular activities and clubs that promote inclusivity and social responsibility, according to the association.

The school also offers opportunities for creativity and relationship-building through its library media center and promotes social-emotional learning and mental health awareness through a sensory room and “Zen Den,” which provide calming environments for relaxation.

ELWOOD

New superintendent

Gayle Steele has been appointed superintendent of the Elwood school district. She replaced Kelly Fallon, who held the position on an interim basis.

Steele had previously been assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for elementary education at the South Huntington school district since 2021. Before that, she held the positions of principal and assistant principal at several districts on Long Island, including Half Hollow Hills school district in Dix Hills and Valley Stream School District 13.

“I am truly thankful for the opportunity to join the Elwood school district and to share my love of learning with this community,” Steele said. “I look forward to working alongside this school community to continue the district’s trajectory of excellence for every student in Elwood.”

FLORAL PARK

New superintendent

Regina M. Agrusa has been appointed superintendent of the Sewanhaka Central High School District. She replaced Thomas Dolan, who held the position on an interim basis.

Agrusa, who has worked in the district for more than 25 years, most recently was the district’s deputy superintendent. She began her career as a school counselor at the district’s Elmont Memorial High School in 1997.

“I look forward to continuing to work with our amazing students, talented and dedicated staff and incredibly supportive and passionate families,” Agrusa said. “I eagerly anticipate ongoing collaborations to ensure that our students become self-sufficient, critical thinkers and compassionate citizens.”

HICKSVILLE

New principal

Christopher Uccellini is the new principal of Lee Avenue Elementary School. He replaced Stephanie Stam, who retired.

Uccellini has previously served as the principal of the AHRC Middle/High School in Brooklyn and the James P. Murphy Staten Island Preparatory School. He has also been principal of Hewlett Elementary School and assistant principal at Stratford School in Garden City.

“I am eager to work with our diverse community and learn about the positive culture that has been cultivated for years,” Uccellini said. “Having the opportunity to lead a team with such passion and dedication for our students is extremely motivating for me as the new leader.”

LINDENHURST

New principal

Scott Garofola is the new principal of Albany Avenue Elementary School in Lindenhurst. He replaced Marcy Miller, who is now principal of Lindenhurst Middle School.

Garofola had been assistant principal at Albany Avenue since 2022, and before that worked as an integrated co-teacher, dean of students, after-school coordinator and STEM teacher at Hampton Bays Middle School. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.

“I am incredibly excited to embark on this new journey with our Albany Avenue school community,” Garofola said.

SEAFORD

New principal

Joann Krudis has been named principal of Seaford Manor Elementary School. She replaced Debra Emmerich, who retired.

Krudis worked for 20 years in schools in Queens, most recently as principal of P.S. 253 in Far Rockaway for two years. Before that, she spent five years as assistant principal of P.S./M.S. 183Q Richard Green School in Arverne and 13 years as a special education teacher in Richmond Hill.

“The ‘Seaford Pride’ really stands out for me,” Krudis said. “Everyone comes together to make Seaford schools the hub of the community. A school can’t be successful without the community backing it.”

STONY BROOK

New principal

James Geis has been named principal of the Three Village Academy, an alternative secondary school within the Three Village Central School District that is geared toward students who have not experienced success in a more traditional high school setting. He replaced Gus Hueber, who retired.

Geis most recently was the district’s supervisor of pupil personnel services, a position he had held since 2017. Before that, he was the coordinator of secondary special education in the upstate Greater Amsterdam School District and a teacher with Western Suffolk BOCES and the New York City Department of Education.

"I am very excited to start working at the Three Village Academy and supporting our students’ achievements in this unique and innovative learning environment,” Geis said. “I am eager to build on the school’s record of success."

FAA data analyzed by Newsday shows the number of bird strikes voluntarily reported by airports in New York City and Long Island has increased by 46% between 2009 and 2023. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.  Credit: Newsday/File Footage; Photo Credit: AP Photo/Steven Day, Bebeto Matthews; Getty Images

'A different situation at every airport' FAA data analyzed by Newsday shows the number of bird strikes voluntarily reported by airports in New York City and Long Island has increased by 46% between 2009 and 2023. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

FAA data analyzed by Newsday shows the number of bird strikes voluntarily reported by airports in New York City and Long Island has increased by 46% between 2009 and 2023. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.  Credit: Newsday/File Footage; Photo Credit: AP Photo/Steven Day, Bebeto Matthews; Getty Images

'A different situation at every airport' FAA data analyzed by Newsday shows the number of bird strikes voluntarily reported by airports in New York City and Long Island has increased by 46% between 2009 and 2023. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME