Summer is a time for rest and rejuvenation, and the beginning of a new school year always brings renewed enthusiasm. I hope that everyone enjoyed their vacations, spent quality time with their families and made some happy memories.

We have an exciting school year ahead, filled with opportunities for students to pursue their passions and challenge their minds. Our teachers take great pride in creating a learning environment that engages students through hands-on activities and rich, meaningful discussions.

The district continues all of its educational initiatives for the coming year, including the 1:1 Learning Anytime, Anywhere program which provides students in grades 3-12 with their own Chromebooks. Our very popular Foreign Language in the Elementary School program is expanding to fifth grade so our young learners can continue their Spanish instruction from the previous two years as they prepare to select a language at Berner Middle School. The Advanced Placement Capstone program at the high school continues to grow. Students have the opportunity to participate in advanced-level research on topics of personal interest. We have also enhanced the MS 101 Course for sixth-graders at Berner, focusing on organizational skills, public speaking and social and emotional development.

It was a busy summer in the district. In Massapequa, we take great pride in the arts which was evidenced by strong enrollment in art, music and theater classes at the high school. Scores of children participated in our sports skills camps, summer recreation program, teen center and robotics and science camps. Our high school-age students developed their leadership skills and served as positive role models by working in these programs as counselors and student assistants.

Our buildings and grounds staff spent the summer preparing our schools for the new year. Several capital projects were also completed to upgrade our facilities including the installation of new windows at Fairfield Elementary School, the replacement of floors at Unqua Elementary School and the refurbishment of the high school and middle school libraries. We maintain our commitment to providing facilities that are conducive to 21st-century learning.

Providing a safe and secure learning environment is paramount. To further fortify the numerous security measures already in place, the Board of Education has added armed security personnel to the perimeter of our nine schools. Our security vestibules, visitor management protocols, strong relationship with the Nassau County Police Department, and the around-the-clock monitoring of hundreds of security cameras provides a high level of security. The public serves as our eyes and ears and we ask anyone to call our 24-hour tip line, (516) 308-5333, with any information about safety and security. All concerns are taken seriously and fully investigated.

I extend a warm welcome to all of our new administrators, teachers, staff members and students. I am particularly excited to greet our incoming kindergartners, the Massapequa High School Class of 2031!

Please continue to stay informed throughout the year by visiting the district website, www.msd.k12.ny.us, Massapequa Public Schools on Facebook, @MassapequaPS on Twitter and MassapequaPS on Instagram.

Here’s to a great school year…let’s make it the best one yet!