Fairfield Elementary -

Dear Grade 3-5 Elementary Parents/Guardians, As previously communicated, due to unforeseen technical issues and as directed by NYSED, the administration of the NYS ELA assessment scheduled for today was postponed. The District received notification this morning that the NYS testing platform, Nextera, was having technical issues across the state. At this time, the district has received notification that the technical issues have been resolved. Therefore, Session 1 of the NYS ELA Assessment will be administered tomorrow, April 9, 2025, and Session 2 will be administered on Thursday, April 10, 2025. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Thank you for your support. Sincerely, The Massapequa School District

Dear Parents of Grade 3-8 Students, We are writing to inform you about an important update regarding the New York State English Language Arts (ELA) testing that was scheduled for today, April 8, and tomorrow, April 9. Due to a statewide technical issue with the NY ELA testing platform, testing is postponed for today, April 8. We will follow-up with additional communication once we confirm the issue is resolved and we receive further guidance from NY State. At this time, buildings will be resuming their regular schedules. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to ensure a smooth testing process for all students participating in the assessment. Thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, The Massapequa School District

Dear Fairfield Families and Staff, We are writing to inform you that there was an ambulance at our school earlier today to assist with a staff related medical situation. Our staff followed all safety protocols. The situation was handled with the utmost care and efficiency. We understand that seeing an ambulance and medical professionals at school can be concerning. We want to emphasize that the safety and health of our students and staff are our top priorities. We are grateful for the response of the emergency services. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely, Mrs. Dano and Ms. Pavlick

To All Parents/Guardians of Students Currently in Grades K - 5: Please see the linked flyer containing information about Camp Invention, a summer program that inspires confidence as campers collaborate in creative problem-solving challenges led by qualified educators to bring their biggest ideas to life! Flyer: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UTRRMdsI5SuRM501YcbbnbhQ3cIho4BvdSQPGnC3Vn8/edit?tab=t.0 The program will run from August 4 - 8, 2025 at Unqua Elementary School. The registration link goes live at 9:00am on March 20, 2025. PLEASE NOTE: Information regarding other summer programs and opportunities will be shared in the near future. Sincerely, The Massapequa School District

Good Afternoon, Fairfield Families, This Friday, March 21st, is World Down Syndrome Day. Please see the below flyer for information regarding Rocks Your Socks. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-rVIAU_9Boy3zuii8UlLFek8voGET9Mi/view?usp=sharing Thank you, Mrs. Dano & Ms. Pavlick

Dear Parents/Guardians of Fifth-Grade Students, Please click on the link below to access the Save the Date for our moving up ceremony. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1H4rsZ24UR2yEcnbla28HmU8su22H9oyp/edit#slide=id.p1 Thank you, Mrs. Dano, Ms. Pavlick, and Fifth-Grade Teachers

March 10, 2025 Dear Parents, Each spring, there is considerable discussion about placing children in classes for the next school year. Since this is a matter that we do not take lightly, Ms. Pavlick and I, working in collaboration with the professional staff, spend countless hours constructing well-balanced classes in which all children have the opportunity to learn and grow academically as well as socially. It is hoped that a frank review of our procedures for class placement of students will eliminate the need for parents to individualize their concerns or make requests for specific teachers. When classes are structured, a clear set of guidelines is followed. Classes are formed into heterogeneous groups with the following in mind: A full range of aptitudes within each class An even proportion of abilities and learning styles Number of students requiring support services Possible student conflicts Once these factors have been considered, teachers begin to build classes of children who show promise of working well together. As the process unfolds, attempts are made to match pupil and teacher style while taking into consideration the professional judgment of those educators working with your child. We welcome your input concerning your child’s individual learning needs; we trust you understand that your comments constitute just one of the many factors considered during the process. The final decision on class placements must reside with the school, and requests for specific teachers cannot be honored. If there are special considerations you would like us to be aware of, please feel free to share those by filling out the form below by March 31st. Please do not assume that past history or concerns will automatically be addressed during placement if you do not fill out the form. Optional Google Form for Placement Thank you in advance for your cooperation. As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Dr. Gerhard Principal You can find the PDF here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1emkerlYG0l-Ov8t4o30rJUsU-vawKmYJ/view?usp=sharing

Good Afternoon, Fairfield Families, Please find Fairfield's February Paw Print Press in the link below. We hope you enjoy reading about the latest events at Fairfield Elementary School. Sincerely, Mrs. Dano and Ms. Pavlick https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OL_aVZynSC2w2ZZtlJOs0tZZl-YuJBcj/view?usp=sharing

Dear Third Grade Parents, In the coming months, all third grade students will have the opportunity to select an instrument to begin playing next fall. The Inside Out Performance by the Massapequa Philharmonic is a wonderful way for your child to begin to explore possible instrument choices. Following the performance, students can participate in the Instrument Meet and Greet; a time to speak with teachers and students, see the instruments up close, and ask questions. For further information and a registration link, please view the invitation letter at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N1M-kWfdL8RWaV-YNb_sufqe0sKj_Hyf/view

Good Afternoon, Fairfield Families, This afternoon, your child will come home with a letter from the PARP Committee, a reading log, and a PARP Bingo sheet. In addition to these materials, the PARP Committee have created optional activities that you and your reader can complete at home. Activities can be found in grade-level packets. Please click on the links below. Thank you, and Happy Reading! Mrs. Dano, Ms. Pavlick, & the PARP Committee Kindergarten Packet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nvcva1mEoiMYDV34ekv2z9ZjbgOZRsIF/view?usp=sharing Grade 1 Packet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BPNVsESBsRmXstt7HIcu3pcZ1Z1Dn4O_/view?usp=sharing Grade 2 Packet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hFJLaQTsl7ahSMxvSagaCDa4MzrkFAad/view?usp=drive_link Grade 3 Packet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MGhB8TNn5oHVubHvyG6Vx0A5UpabAFka/view?usp=drive_link Grade 4 Packet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hgZiotnY4ONdyLC1hGUnhdf2Roxxk9Gi/view?usp=drive_link Grade 5 Packet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HjBlE-OgnfPBdWbmOUKGI_FMnGKP5lZH/view?usp=drive_link

Good Afternoon, Fairfield Families and Staff, PARP week is Monday, 3/3-Friday, 3/7. Please see the flyer below regarding PARP Spirit Week. Participation in Spirit Week is voluntary. PTA PARP packets will be sent home on Monday, 3/3. Thank you, Mrs. Dano and Ms. Pavlick https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WEd68e4zhm5mNKIeyX3g6mBB0XhsuK_D/view?usp=drive_link

The district is happy to announce that the Massapequa Public Schools Annual Science Discovery Fair is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Berner Middle School. The event is open to all young scientists in grades K-8. This is a great opportunity for our budding scientists to investigate, explore, and report on those natural phenomena that stimulate their young, creative minds. As a reminder, registration closes tomorrow, March 1, 2025. Please click the following link for more information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pdQX0tGTZiGYsHUMdpYM7NrycQaGIr_x/view?usp=sharing

Dear Parents of Kindergarten Students, It is anticipated that the LI Herald will be visiting Kindergarten tomorrow, February 28th. The LI Herald will be showcasing our Kindergarten classes in a special K Kids Edition! This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to be featured in the newspaper. The LI Herald will take pictures of all our Kindergarten classes and their teachers. Each child will also answer the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Please note that the paper only uses first names and does not place names near the pictures of the children. If your child is camera-shy or you prefer they not participate, please let us know, and we will ensure they are not included in the photos. Thank you, Mrs. Dano, Ms. Pavlick, and the Kindergarten Teachers

Dear Fairfield Families, Just a reminder that there will be a Fairfield PTA Blood Drive this Thursday, February 27th from 3:30-8:30 PM. Please see the attached flyer for further information. Thank you, Mrs. Dano and Ms. Pavlick

Dear Fairfield Families, Please see the following message from our 5th Grade Committee: Get ready for an incredible opportunity, the 5th-grade class is hosting a spectacular GIFT CARD RAFFLE! With over $2,500 in prizes, you could win amazing items like a signed Ilya Sorokin jersey and memorabilia from the NY Islanders, LI Nets tickets, a Hibachi 2 U Party for 10 people, and gift cards to local restaurants, coffee shops, hair salons, barber shops, spas and more! You won’t want to miss this fundraiser! Tickets will be on sale until February 28th. Thank you for your support! Have a great day, Mrs. Dano & Ms. Pavlick

February 24, 2025 Dear Fairfield Families, I am writing to inform you that I will be taking maternity leave beginning today as we welcomed Kayden Jesse to our family over the break. During my absence, I am confident that your children will be in the very best of hands. Ms. Megan Pavlick, our amazing Assistant Principal, and Mrs. Lori Dano, former principal of Fairfield, will be working together to ensure the smooth and continued success of our school. Both Ms. Pavlick and Mrs. Dano are exceptional educators with a deep commitment to the well-being of our students. I have the utmost confidence in their ability to provide a nurturing and supportive learning environment for your children. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as your principal, and I look forward to returning to Fairfield Elementary School in the near future. Mrs. Lori Dano - Ldano@msd.k12.ny.us Ms. Megan Pavlick - Mpavlick@msd.k12.ny.us Sincerely, Kristi Gerhard Kristi Gerhard, Ed. D. Principal

To Parents/Guardians of Students in Grade 5 - 11, This is a reminder that the ability to view your child's 2025-2026 course requests is now available via the parent portal. To view the list of courses, please click on the "Class Registration" icon located in the navigation menu on the left side of the parent portal screen. Please note, if your child has an IEP, all recommendations will be discussed and courses finalized at your child’s CSE annual review meeting. Parents of Students in Grade 5: If you have questions regarding a recommended support class, please contact your child’s current 5th grade teacher or Patricia Quinn-Hendry, Comprehensive Literacy Chairperson K-12, at 516-308-5153. Any other schedule questions or concerns can be made directly to the Berner Guidance Department by Friday, February 14, 2025. Parents of Students in Grade 6: If you have questions regarding regents/accelerated level designations or recommended support classes, please contact your child’s current sixth grade teacher. Any other requests for a course change must be made directly with the Berner Guidance Department by Friday, February 14, 2025. Parents of Students in Grades 7 - 8: Any questions or concerns should be directed to your child's guidance counselor. Requests for a course change must be made Friday, February 14, 2025. Parents of Students in Grades 9-11: If you have any questions after reviewing the course requests listed, please contact your child’s guidance counselor as soon as possible. If you have any questions in reference to the scheduling process, please do not hesitate to contact the guidance office at Berner, MHS - Ames Campus or MHS - Main Campus. Sincerely, The Massapequa School District

Dear K-8 Parents and Guardians, Kindly click the link to read an important letter regarding the release of Winter iReady assessment reports. https://docs.google.com/document/d/160wKztELk1U4gEBsAfSs3d9ajhfy4Vwlnm2Irjh58cs/edit?usp=sharing Thank you, The Massapequa School District

Dear Families, This is just a reminder that the PTA Book Fair Family Shopping Session is tonight from 6:00-8:00 PM. This is not a drop off event. Thank you, Dr. Gerhard and Ms. Pavlick

Good Afternoon, Please find Fairfield's January Paw Print Press attached. We hope you enjoy reading about the latest events at Fairfield Elementary School. Sincerely, Dr. Gerhard and Ms. Pavlick