'Talk to Me’ communication boards unveiled at John Street School

The Franklin Square school district hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at John Street School to officially unveil the new Talk to Me communication boards, donated by the H. Frank Carey High School Dad’s Club on Aug. 1.

The communication boards are utilized by the building’s non-verbal students, any student requiring the addition support in communication, the aides and teachers in the Intensive Support Program.

One of the boards was installed outside by the playground, with images and phrases in both English and Spanish. Among the 76 cues, included are “hello,” “more,” “all done,” “play,” “excited,” “my turn” and “climb.” There are also numbers and the alphabet.

The indoor communication board, which is used in the building’s Daily Living Skills Center, also has the alphabet and numbers 0-9.

Director of Pupil Personnel Services Pamela Taylor, Superintendent of Schools Jared Bloom, Board of Education President Stephen Toto and Principal Thomas Riccobono each spoke on the new boards, thanking the Dad’s Club for the donation and the custodians for installing the outdoor board.

The ribbon was cut with the assistance of two students, who were joined by the administrators, members of the Board of Education and representatives of Carey Dad’s Club. The students also served iced tea, lemonade and snacks at the conclusion of the ceremony.