School bells ring again in District 24

The once quiet halls of the three Valley Stream District 24 schools were filled with running, jumping and skipping children, wearing new backpacks, sneakers and most importantly, smiles during opening day on Sept. 7.

Steady rain may have made for a gloomy scene outdoors, but high spirits and excitement shown on the students’ faces inside the schools. Kindergarteners dabbled in arts and crafts, while sixth graders were already preparing for junior high school. There was plenty to do, and even more to look forward to, said several teachers.

A large crowd of students and their parents gathered in the gymnasium of Robert W. Carbonaro School. Maribeth Barry, parent of kindergartner Emilie, 5, was excited on the first day of school for her youngest child. Emilie, who has an older brother in fifth grade at Carbonaro, said she was also happy.

Both Maverick, a 9-year-old fourth grader, and Lillian Hebert, a 7-year-old second grader, along with their mother, Jenne, had just moved from Orlando. “I am excited, but not sure what to look forward to,” Lillian said.

Jenne said one of the reasons the family moved to Valley Stream was that the area was pretty similar to Florida. “I think New York is exciting, interesting and diverse,” she said. “It’s just a nice, homey feel here…it’s an easier transition than from Florida to Manhattan.”

Surprisingly, the children were looking forward to seeing snow, which they never saw before in their lives.

Principal Dr. Lisa Conte offered a first-day perspective at Carbonaro. “There is strong parental support here,” she said, “and I am anticipating a great academic year.”

Children were settling into their respective classrooms at Brooklyn Avenue School. After the morning announcements and Pledge of Allegiance, the classrooms were buzzing with laughter. Students were ready to get back into the swing of things, especially teacher in Krista Kinirons’ fifth-grade class. The day was great and smooth so far, she said. She was looking forward to a class trip to Caumsett Park in Lloyd Harbor to teach students about the ocean, ecology, farming and the Civil War.

Lindsey Rubenstein, a kindergartener in teacher Joanna Grosso’s class, said that playing with Play-Doh was very fun. “I am making friends,” she said.

“Every September brings a new beginning,” said Principal Dr. Scott Comis, “and a chance to celebrate growth and development of each child, and to continue the grow and improve upon academics of our students.”

Over at the William L. Buck School, Principal Mark Onorato said it was a great opening. Several parents and community members came out, he said, and the children had smiling faces. He noted the importance of the first day of school. “September is a fresh start for everyone,” he said.

Students in Jamie MacMillian’s second-grade class got “jitter bags,” brown paper bags full of lifesavers and Smarties candies, erasers, stickers and other goodies to alleviate any first day nervousness.

And sixth graders in Linda Biley’s class moved from class-to-class under a time limit, in preparation for switching classes as junior high schools students next year. Ciarra Perez, an 11-year-old sixth grader in Biley’s class, said she loved her new teacher.