APRIL 2018 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 47
Made up of four elementary schools,
the New Hyde Park-Garden City
Park Union Free School District
(UFSD) serves one of the most diverse
communities on Long Island and represents
the gateway to Nassau County.
Each of the district’s four schools house
kindergarten through sixth grade and, in all, the
district now educates more than 1,700 students.
The district has a long and accomplished history
and this year marks the 90th anniversary of one
of its four schools: the New Hyde Park Road
School. But each of the other three schools
– Garden City Park School, Hillside Grade
School and Manor Oaks School – boasts the
same coupling of innovation and tradition.
We recently caught up with Dr. Jennifer
Morrison, superintendent of schools for the
New Hyde Park-Garden City Park UFSD,
who discussed her school district’s mission
and vision, and more. Among other things, she
pointed to the increased importance of teaching
Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and
Math (STEAM).
Question: What would you say is the mission
of your school district?
Answer: The New Hyde Park-Garden City Park
School District is committed to developing the
academic, social, and emotional skills necessary
to become lifelong learners and contributory
members in a diverse community.
Q: What sets your school district apart from
other school districts on Long Island?
A: What sets us apart is our diversity and
amazing community.
Q: What’s your vision for the school district
as its superintendent?
A: To empower our students with the knowledge
and skills they need to live productive and happy
lives.
Q: How did you get started in education and
what was it that attracted you to the work you
do?
A: I began my career in the New York City
Public Schools as an elementary school teacher
in Jamaica, Queens. I became a teacher because
I enjoyed school as a child. I remained in
education because I realized the impact that
New Hyde Park schools look to tech future
while marking 90th anniversary
a solid education can have on
a student’s ability to become a
productive, confident adult and
citizen.
Q: What is the biggest
challenge of your job and
how have you dealt with that
challenge?
A: The biggest challenge
is always making the right
decision. As long as I anchor my
decisions in our mission and our vision, I know
I am being true to our values and aspirations for
our children and their education.
Q: What major trends are you seeing in U.S.
education and how are they impacting your
school district? What steps have you taken or
plan to take to address those issues?
A: STEAM, coding, and technology — our
students are clamoring for innovation, as are
our parents.
New Hyde Park Road
School’s 90th anniversary
Kim LaRegina, principal of New Hyde Park
Road School, fielded our questions on her
school’s big anniversary this year.
Q: How are you and the district/school
celebrating the anniversary?
A: The school has seen many administrators,
teachers, staff and students come and go, but
they all have left footprints on our hearts and
their legacy remains strong. To celebrate this
wonderful achievement, we will be taking a walk
through the history of the last 90 years.
Q: What makes this school
special in your opinion?
A: It is the love and respect that
all staff, students, and parents
share that makes our school so
special. Everyone should feel
honored and valued.
Q: How would you say things
have changed at the school
since it first opened?
A: Obviously, our biggest change is in
technology. All rooms are equipped with
computers, and all lessons are enhanced by
smart boards. To engage the students of the 21st
century, we enhance our lessons with videos and
interactive whiteboards.
Q: What would you say has remained the
same at the school?
A: What has definitely remained the same is the
commitment to the students to ensure that they
become lifelong learners. We all work together
as a well-oiled machine to meet the needs of the
students. It is a privilege to work at the Road
School, and for that we will proudly and happily
celebrate its 90th birthday!
Custom Computer Specialists is proud to
sponsor Spotlight LI. Since 1979, Custom has
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schools, local government agencies, health
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more about Custom Computer Specialists, or
to be considered for a future Spotlight LI, please
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