Back to school for Uniondale students
Uniondale students were ready to get the 2024-25 school year started on Sept. 3, their first day of classes. Herds of students gathered in front of their schools to pose for photos before meeting new teachers and classmates and preparing for a year of learning.
School district officials were excited to welcome students, teachers and staff, and were looking forward to working with the community to “provide a year filled with new opportunities, enhanced programs, and a continued commitment to academic excellence,” according to a news release.
“Uniondale is thrilled to welcome back our students and staff for another year of growth, learning, and community building in all of our schools,” Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil said in the release. “This summer, our administrators, faculty, and staff, especially our facilities team, worked tirelessly to prepare our buildings and grounds for the new school year. Their dedication ensures that we continue to provide a safe and nurturing environment where every student can reach their full potential.”
This year, the district is implementing new initiatives for students at all grade levels, especially in the elementary schools. Elementary students will have a Digital Explorers course in which they will learn keyboarding basics, coding and Vex robotics, a program in mechanics that includes software and other materials. The elementary schools also expanded their autism program to be more inclusive, and they have established a global literacy partnership with schools in Ghana, West Africa, which “aims to broaden students’ understanding of different cultures and global issues, preparing them for success in an interconnected world,” according to the news release.
The district is also touting its middle-school algebra program, which aligns with its core philosophy that all students will learn at high levels when instruction adequately meets their needs, according to the district website. It has also added a My Sister’s Keeper program, to complement the My Brother’s Keeper initiative, and is relaunching its international travel program for high school to continue emphasizing global learning and connection.
In 2023-24, the district celebrated its first year with a preliminary graduation rate of over 90 percent, and it is aiming for a graduation rate of 90 percent or higher this year, according to Darrisaw-Akil.
“This incredible milestone was made possible by the dedication of our wonderful administrators, faculty and staff, and the support and commitment of our families and the entire Uniondale community,” the superintendent said. “Our district and scholars achieve remarkable success and growth each year, and we believe it is important to continue setting new goals to build upon these accomplishments.”
A variety of educational programs were featured over the summer, including a STEAM Camp and an AP Boot Camp — as well as a number of lengthy construction projects. The district issued a $158 million bond in 2018 to upgrade and improve its facilities, and according to Martin DarConte III, the new director of operations and maintenance, the work is in its final stages.
The facilities team spent the summer working on upgrades at the Northern Parkway and Walnut Street schools, and the Lawrence Road and Turtle Hook middle schools. The additions, DarConte said, include new classrooms, restrooms, locker rooms, gyms and general-purpose rooms in the four schools. Work on additions at Uniondale High School is continuing.
“These upgrades are part of a plan to increase and modernize instructional spaces, along with upgrades to indoor athletic spaces and bathroom facilities,” DarConte said. “We are excited for the new opportunities these upgrades will provide to the Uniondale community.”
The district “remains committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and achievement,” the news release stated.
