National PTA names 10 LI Schools of Excellence, plus new principal and superintendent appointments

Ten Long Island schools have been named 2023-25 Schools of Excellence by the National PTA.

The schools are among 19 statewide and 319 nationwide to receive the designation, which stems from a yearlong commitment to strengthen family-school partnerships. PTAs and schools collect feedback from their communities to create and implement action plans to improve family engagement. Those that exhibit improvement are named Schools of Excellence, a distinction that spans two years.

The selected schools are Lenox Elementary School in Baldwin; Boyle Road Elementary School in Port Jefferson Station; Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School; George H. McVey Elementary School in East Meadow; Floral Park-Bellerose School in Floral Park; Woodmere Middle School; Jackson Avenue Elementary School in Mineola; Meadow Drive Elementary School in Mineola; Lincoln Avenue Elementary School in Sayville; and Ogden Elementary School in Valley Stream.

“We strongly believe that family-school partnerships are critical and that it truly takes all of us working together to support our students’ success and improve our schools,” said National PTA president Yvonne Johnson.

The Floral Park-Bellerose School PTA’s efforts included highlighting the district’s adult education programs through its email database and social media accounts, as well as creating an “Adult Resources” tab on its website. The Floral Park Public Library’s adult education programs were also highlighted in the school’s Friday Footnotes Newsletter.

“By holding regular meetings, conducting surveys and organizing community events, we ensured that the voices of our diverse community were heard and valued,” said Susan Saint-Joy, president of the Floral Park-Bellerose School PTA. “Together, we have implemented initiatives that have strengthened our school culture and enhanced the educational experience for every student.”

BAYPORT

New principal

Meredith Kelly has been named principal of Sylvan Avenue Elementary School. She replaced Chris Scardino, who held the position on an interim basis.

Kelly has worked as both a classroom teacher and an assistant principal over the past nine years in the Merrick school district.

“I look forward to working alongside teachers, staff and families to foster an environment where students feel valued, supported and empowered to learn and grow,” Kelly said.

COLD SPRING HARBOR

New superintendent

Joseph Monastero has been appointed superintendent of the Cold Spring Harbor school district. He replaced Jill Gierasch, who retired.

Monastero, who has worked in the district since 1998, had been the district’s executive director for instructional and administrative technology since 2017. Before that, he was an assistant principal, technology coordinator and social studies teacher at Cold Spring Harbor Jr./Sr. High School.

“As a lifelong learner, my commitment to personal and professional growth has equipped me with the insights and adaptability to successfully navigate the complexities of a modern educational environment,” Monastero said.

ELMONT

New superintendent

Marlon Small is the new superintendent of the Elmont school district. He replaced Kenneth A. Card Jr., who held the position on an interim basis.

Small previously served four years as superintendent of the Greenport school district. Before that, he was an assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction with the South Country Central School District and an elementary principal in Huntington.

“I’m looking forward to joining the Elmont school community and to working collaboratively with the board, administrators, teachers, staff, parents and students to continue the district’s tradition of educational excellence,” Small said.

FLORAL PARK

New principal

Kristina Lynch has been named principal of John Lewis Childs School in the Floral Park-Bellerose school district. She replaced Susan Fazio.

Lynch, who has worked in the district since 2001, was most recently the elementary school’s assistant principal. She started as a pre-kindergarten teacher at Floral Park-Bellerose School.

“Together, we will strive to create a nurturing, inclusive and inspiring environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential,” Lynch said.

LINDENHURST

New principal

Marcy Miller is the new principal of Lindenhurst Middle School. She replaced Frank Naccarato, who retired.

Miller had been principal of Albany Avenue Elementary School in Lindenhurst since 2016, and before that served as an interim dean of discipline and then assistant principal at the middle school.

“Working in lockstep with our new high school principal and my amazing team here, I plan to make the Lindenhurst Middle School experience a positive, caring and supportive one for our students, enabling a seamless transition to high school,” Miller said.

WOODMERE

New principal

John J. Andruszkiewicz has taken over leadership of Woodmere Middle School. He replaced principal Al Bauer, who retired.

Andruszkiewicz was previously principal of James Wilson Young Middle School in Bayport, a position he had held since 2019. Before that, he was the assistant principal of Lindenhurst Middle School and administrative chairman for social studies at R.C. Murphy Junior High School in Stony Brook.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with the staff and district leadership team to continue the school’s commitment to excellence, while helping to shape the future success of all students,” Andruszkiewicz said.

By Michael R. Ebert

michael.ebert@newsday.com

Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.