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Overcast Shaw recognized for Blue Ribbon award
The Valley Stream Teachers Association treated more than 700 students to breakfast last Friday morning at Shaw Avenue, to celebrate the school’s recent accomplishment. In late September, the District 30 elementary school received the Blue Ribbon excellence award from the United States Department of Education.
Representatives from VSTA served bagels and juice to the children, with staff and parents also joining in. “I think it’s important to recognize the successes within the community, and the teachers association is a part of the large community,” said VSTA President Patrick Naglieri. The Blue Ribbon award is bestowed on schools for academic achievement, and Shaw Avenue was the first in Valley Stream to ever earn the honor.
The bagels and butter were provided by Magic Bagels, located on Merrick Road. Classic Coffee Systems, another Valley Stream business, supplied coffee and tea for the staff. Naglieri said it is one of VSTA’s priorities to support local businesses.
Principal Amy Pernick said she was very touched by VSTA’s gesture, and added that the children and staff members were delighted, as well. “I’m flattered,” she said. “It was a very overwhelming feeling of support.”
Pernick and other representatives from the district will be in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 18-19 to accept the award. The following day, the district will hold a ceremony in Valley Stream.
Since it was announced on Sept. 24 that the school received the award, Pernick said there has been a feeling of excitement at Shaw Avenue. For example, she said members of the PTA tied blue ribbons to the trees and bushes around the school.
On Tuesday morning, state Sen. Dean Skelos visited to present a proclamation to the school and meet students and teachers. “I offer my most sincere congratulations to everyone at Shaw Avenue Elementary School for this most prestigious honor,” Skelos said. “I commend the Board of Education, administration, Principal Amy Pernick, all of the teachers, aides and everyone involved in making Shaw Avenue a role model for our community while providing a top-notch education for our kids.”
Friday’s breaksfast, in which VSTA representatives served 730 students in about an hour and a half, was just another example of the warmth that exists in Valley Stream, Pernick explained. “We support one another,” she said. “We’re proud of one another’s accomplishments.”
