Back-to-School 2024: Valley Stream District 24 rings in the new school year

Valley Stream District 24 welcomed students back for an inspiring start to the 2024-2025 school year. Students and faculty at Brooklyn Avenue Elementary School, Robert W. Carbonaro Elementary School, and William L. Buck Elementary School gathered for their first day back. The day was abuzz with enthusiasm from teachers and staff who greeted their students and set the stage for a meaningful and engaging year.

“We had such a successful opening, and it was wonderful to see our students returning with smiles on their faces,” said Superintendent Unal Karakas.

“This year, we are excited to continue making the connection and working collaboratively to ensure a successful, rewarding, and productive year ahead. By focusing on building strong relationships and fostering a supportive learning environment, we are preparing our students for the future, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world.”

During visits to classrooms across the district, Karakas shared words of encouragement and introduced students and staff to Juanita Walters, the district’s new Director of Pupil Services. To support a smooth transition into the new school year, teachers and staff actively engaged students in conversations about their first-day experiences and prepared them for a successful year ahead.

This year, Valley Stream District 24 expands on its theme of “Make the Connection” by introducing “Make the Connection - Innovating Our Future.” This enhanced theme aligns with the district’s Vision 2030 goals, which focus on preparing students for future success by creating a dynamic, 21st-century learning environment. Over the summer, the Board of Education and District Administration have worked diligently to prioritize and advance the Vision 2030 initiative.