By Matthew Gaven
In Rockville Centre, we know the old saying is true: It takes a village to raise a child. Our schools do not stand apart from the community; they are a central component. That’s why one of the greatest strengths of our district is the way we partner with local colleges, organizations and businesses to expand opportunities for our students. These partnerships bring our mission to life by preparing students to strive for excellence, act with integrity and empathy, and lead with imagination and purpose.
Learning beyond the classroom. One of our most rewarding partnerships is with Molloy University, right here in Rockville Centre. Through joint programs, our high school students gain exposure to college-level coursework and mentoring from professors. This year we launched a Financial Investments course, in which our students have the opportunity to learn how to use Bloomberg financial data systems.
They also benefit from the Molloy Connect program, which offers summer and full-year programs for neurodivergent high school juniors and seniors who are college-bound. This collaboration gives students a taste of higher education while building confidence in their ability to thrive beyond our walls.
We are also proud of our work with Hofstra University. From science research opportunities to support in curriculum development, Hofstra’s faculty and resources provide a bridge between secondary and higher education. In our new Computational Engineering class, our students learn software that is used in engineering courses at the college level.
Building connections across generations. Partnerships aren’t limited to colleges and universities. The Sandel Senior Center in the village has been a longtime collaborator with Rockville Centre schools. Whether through intergenerational reading programs, music performances or service projects, our students and seniors share meaningful experiences that foster empathy, respect and connection. These interactions remind us all that education is not only about knowledge, but also about building character and community.
Our partnership with the village has certainly been fruitful. We provide space for the Village Rec summer program at Wilson Elementary School, and the village allows us to use the Rec to expand our pre-K program for our youngest learners.
Our district is also proud to have extensive partnerships with the federal Department of Homeland Security and the Nassau County and Rockville Centre police departments. All three agencies work together, along with the district, to provide support for students and families and to help keep our students safe. Extensive and ongoing communication ensures that our protocols reflect best practices.
Supporting creativity and career pathways. Local businesses have also stepped up in remarkable ways. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, we have met many local business owners who offer our students real-world experience through internships and part-time jobs. This year, we are also so thankful for the parents and graduates that also volunteer to help our students learn more about potential careers. If you’re a South Side graduate and would like to volunteer, please use this link and enter your contact information:
https://forms.gle/u2i5w97cg4TPyP8p9.
A mission shared. When we adopted our new mission statement, we affirmed that education in Rockville Centre is about cultivating creativity and strengthening character. Community partnerships make this mission tangible. They provide the platforms where students practice leadership, test their skills and discover their passions.
Just as important, these collaborations reflect the values our families hold dear: responsibility, excellence, empathy and inclusivity. They show that the responsibility of preparing students for the future does not rest with schools alone. We all share it together.
Our students are fortunate to grow up in a community that values its schools as much as our district does. Together we are modeling for them what true community looks like: people of all ages, talents and backgrounds working side by side to help the next generation thrive.
Matthew Gaven is superintendent of the Rockville Centre School District.
