A Message From Superintendent Lucille F. Iconis

September 2019

Yet another summer comes to a close and the excitement of a new school year fills the air.  As an educator, there is nothing more thrilling than the moment when the school doors open and we welcome our eager and smiling students. 

It was only two short months ago that we were bidding farewell to our graduating seniors, an outstanding and distinguished class.  Now, we prepare to usher in a new school year and welcome our incoming kindergarteners, the Massapequa High School Class of 2032! 

We can’t even imagine what the world will look like 13 years from now as these precious kindergarteners graduate, but what we do know is that they will be well prepared as they cross the stage to accept their diplomas.  In Massapequa, we are highly committed to providing students with an education that is second to none; one that prepares them for success.  

As much as the curriculum may change, the core of what we do remains the same. It starts by building a strong foundation at the elementary level, where our students not only learn the basics, but also how to communicate, problem solve and think critically. They acquire skills to become good citizens by treating others with kindness and respect, giving back to their community through charitable acts and helping others without being asked.  They learn that the best acts of kindness are those they perform when no one is watching.  No matter how technological our world gets, a good heart will always go a long way.

There are several fresh initiatives this year, including new Family and Consumer Science and Social Studies courses at the high school, the formal implementation of the Yale University RULER approach, which focuses on emotional intelligence, at Berner Middle School and a new math program at the elementary level.  Our incoming sixth graders are the first to have completed three years of Spanish instruction in elementary school through our popular FLES program. Whether they continue with Spanish in middle school or choose one of the other languages we offer, they have acquired valuable communication skills for our increasingly global society.

During the summer, our school buildings and athletic fields were filled with activity. Students enjoyed the many opportunities offered through the summer recreation program, sports camps, fine arts camp, robotics camp and Camp Invention. Several facility upgrades were also completed, including classroom renovations at East Lake Elementary School and Berner Middle School.  We continue to ensure that our schools are safe, secure and inviting learning environments for the entire educational community.   

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.

The 2019-2020 school year brings with it endless possibilities for the Massapequa School Community.  A memorable school year, filled with great learning, lies ahead!

Lucille F. Iconis

Lucille F. Iconis

Superintendent of Schools