For the past 39 years, the East Williston Teachers’ Association has awarded a scholarship to a graduating senior who plans to study education and to become a teacher. The David K. Israel Scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship, named after a 40 year veteran English teacher who served as the East Williston Teachers’ Association President for more than a quarter century.

This year’s recipient is Mr. Lucas Schmuck 
​
One teacher describes Lucas as born to be a teacher; they are a natural.   He is gushingly enthusiastic about the books and authors he loves.  He is an astute reader, with fresh insights and confidence.  Lucas has taught meticulously well prepared lessons in SWS.   The student feedback for the class was outstanding.  So much so,  that the students demanded a follow up class!

Lucas is described by another faculty member as an incredible student of literature.  He is an excellent participant in discussions, always analyzing deeply and reading closely.  Lucas has the ability to take whatever text is being read and make it relatable to all the students in the class.  A skill which is incredibly necessary for a successful educator!  Lucas is passionate about his subject area and about helping students.  He is intelligent and quick thinking. I enthusiastically recommend this person for the Scholarship.

What is most impressive however, is his desire to become and the strong ideas he has as to what makes a great teacher.  Lucas already understands that encouraging creativity, individual exploration and helping students discover who they are and what they want is as important as the curriculum.  Schools can be a difficult place, and teachers are always there to make it better.  It is Lucas’ ultimate goal to be one of those teachers. 

Indiana University is truly fortunate to welcome him this fall.  

Tax deductible contributions can be made to the David K. Israel Scholarship Foundation c/o The Wheatley School, 11 Bacon Road, Old Westbury, NY, 11568​

Annually, the East Williston Teachers’ Association awards a scholarship to a graduating senior who plans to study education and to become a teacher. The David K. Israel Scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship, named after a 40 year veteran English teacher who served as the East Williston Teachers’ Association President for more than a quarter century.

This year’s recipient is Ms. Emily Gothelf. 

One teacher describes Emily as approachable and open minded. Her calm and positive way encourages others to slow down, relax, and be mindful. She is an attentive and empathetic listener, wise beyond her years. She is mature, independent, and reliable. She communicates and advocates for others as well as herself. She is honest and humble. This teacher continues, I am constantly amazed by her strength, ingenuity, and creativity. She believes in herself and values her education. She makes Quizlets as a study tool before a test, and she is known to share them with the rest of the class. She is a natural teacher.
 
Emily is described by another faculty member as someone who exudes honesty, integrity and evokes a passion for service. She has superb intelligence. She often looked for interesting material outside of class to bring into our discussions during class time. She is a fantastic candidate and I think she will be an outstanding teacher.

Emily has dedicated her life to volunteering. Since her years at North Side where she was a model student in the inclusion class, she has expanded her service to include volunteering at Stepps, Connections, Friendship Circle, Creative Arts, Camp Kehilla and the Viscardi Center. These programs reach out to children with ADHD, Autism, severe disabilities, muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy. She has also been a peer tutor. She already has a most impressive resume. Vanderbilt University is truly fortunate to welcome her this fall.

Tax deductible contributions can be made to the David K. Israel Scholarship
Foundation c/o The Wheatley School, 11 Bacon Road, Old Westbury, NY, 11568
 

​Welcome back! 

For those of you who have heard me speak at other Superintendent’s Conference Days, you know I find writing these opening day remarks difficult.  However, this year, I found it difficult not to write as I feel there is a great importance in us coming together, in unity, as we embark on the difficult task of educating kids.  I feel that breakfast alone is not enough to begin a school year.  I feel we need more than just that. 

I hope you all had a great summer.  Mine was pretty amazing.  I’d like to start today by thanking all of you because WE did it!  My daughter, your student, has begun the next leg of her educational journey at Florida Atlantic University (which I am hoping will not be hit by Hurricane Dorian – which right now looks like it will be a direct hit).  I know that the human she has become is a result of the wonderful work you all do every day.  Well, I guess I deserve some credit here too.  But, this is not about me!  Anyway, taking the time to know our students.  Building relationships.  Being supportive.  Being KIND.  I have learned from my daughter that those experiences she had with you, when she felt cared for and supported and received your kindness – that’s when she blossomed, and that’s when she learned.  That is when she worked harder, tried a little more (I don’t want to get to crazy here).  Let’s be honest, she didn’t always remember what you taught but I assure you, she always remembered when you were kind.

The inspiration for my remarks today come not only from Lainey but from Twitter and our colleagues Colette Hardy and her amazing KIND artwork and Jenny Taggert’s tweet to the SPARK committee – all about Kindness. 
​
In an article, Why Teaching Kindness in Schools Is Essential to Reduce Bullying, the work by Patty O'Grady, an expert in neuroscience and education, outlined how kindness is a critical component to student success in school.  She highlights things we already know – but are certainly worth repeating.

• Being kind increases our ability to form meaningful connections with others.
• Kind actions trigger a release of hormones which can significantly increase a person's level of happiness and reduce levels of stress. (Now you’ve got my attention!  – anything to reduce stress!)
• Kindness helps others to appreciate what they have, makes them feel useful, and fosters empathy.
• Kindness increases ones attention span, willingness to learn and creative thinking.
• And check this out, a boost in happiness occurs not only in the giver and receiver of kindness, but also in anyone who witnesses it.

We all know that kindness matters.  It matters for our students and it matters to each of us.  A good education is more than simply academics.  A good education also includes helping kids to have a positive sense of self.  Let’s remember first, to be kind to one another and then, of course, to be kind to our students.  I wish you all a KIND year.

Annually, the East Williston Teachers’ Association has awarded a scholarship to a graduating senior who plans to study education and to become a teacher. The David K. Israel Scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship, named after a 40 year veteran English teacher who served as the East Williston Teachers’ Association President for more than a quarter century.

This year’s recipient is Ms. Brittney Guerra. 

One teacher describes Brittney as a student having a keen focus, quiet confidence, and an impressive work ethic.   In addition, Brittney has an ability to think critically and that truly set her apart from others in the class. She is humble and makes it a priority to help others. 
 
Brittney is described by another faculty member as someone who is resilient, mindful, well-rounded and dedicated to seeing the positive in all things.
 
Most impressively, one of Brittney’s personal goals is “to live a life of unparalleled giving; to exude that same selflessness and generosity which her parents have exhibited in uprooting their own lives for the sake of hers.”  Because of this, Brittney has devoted her life to giving back – a token of gratitude for her parents and teachers who have given to her.  In Brittney’s words, “the best way to give back is through a system which provided her, and continues to provide her the motivation she needs to help others: the educational system.”   
 
Brittney volunteered in a North Side Kindergarten class this year.  And true to her goal of giving back, she volunteers at Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen and Long Island Harvest’s food pantry. 
 
SUNY Oneonta is truly fortunate to welcome her this fall.

Tax deductible contributions can be made to the David K. Israel Scholarship Foundation c/o The Wheatley School, 11 Bacon Road, Old Westbury, NY, 11568

​For decades the East Williston Teachers’ Association has awarded a scholarship to a graduating senior who plans to study education and to become a teacher. The David K. Israel Scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship, named after a 40 year veteran English teacher who served as the East Williston Teachers’ Association President for more than a quarter century.
 
This year’s recipient is Ms. Kayla Bellan.
 
One of her teachers describes her as an extremely serious student with a strong work ethic, fantastic organizational skills and great academic potential.  She works diligently to achieve good grades, but more importantly she is genuine in her desire to learn and to teach. 
 
She has been described by another faculty member as someone who will one day be an outstanding teacher.  Having observed this student teach lessons in my class, I know she is a natural.  I know she will continue to grow as an individual - one that feels in her heart how important it is to touch the life of a child so that the child feels valued, capable and eager to learn more.
 
Kayla has been an academic leader and a committed student athlete.  In addition, she has held numerous jobs outside of school, juggling her school work and her commitment to her employers. 
 
Kayla’s scholarship application essay was most impressive. Her honest description of her experiences at school are thought-provoking and noteworthy.  Kayla highlighted how a teacher can turn dread to excitement and how a teacher can awaken a one’s hidden passion.  She also talked about the teacher who never gave her a break.  The teacher who kept pushing her and how he helped her to realize she had potential.  The lessons from this teacher brought her to a place where she believed that she could do anything she set her mind to!  As a result of her amazing teachers, who have become her mentors, it is the personal goal of this student to inspire and support students who feel like they are too stupid for school and to show them the love of learning!
 
The SUNY Cortland is truly fortunate to welcome her this fall.  
 
Tax deductible contributions can be made to the David K. Israel Scholarship Foundation c/o The Wheatley School, 11 Bacon Road, Old Westbury, NY, 11568

      EWTA members traded their EWTA hats for Teamster Local 812 hats when they joined their picket for a fair contract on Friday afternoon.
     Local 812 has been on strike since April.  Their employer (Clare Rose) has refused to return to the bargaining table after offering significant pay cuts and pension elimination as the only option. Clare Rose needs to know that we, union members, stand together.  
​     Boycott Clare Rose Products: Click here for a complete list of products.  Local 812 has indicated that boycotting these products can make a real difference in exerting pressure on the employer. And yes, it is a long list, but there are lots of other beers out there.
     During this time when unions are under attack, it is more important than ever that we STAND TOGETHER and  STAND UNION STRONG!

Christine Pellegrino's campaign is on fire!  We made several hundred calls on her behalf!

Christine is a Baldwin teacher and fighter for public education.  She is in the race for the open 9th Assembly District seat.  Christine has led the fight for local control of our schools and against standardization in our schools.  She’ll be on our side in Albany.

​The special election will be held Tuesday, May 23rd.  If you are a voter in Babylon, North Babylon, West Babylon, West Bay Shore, Brightwaters, South Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, East Massapequa, West Islip, Gilgo Beach and Oak Beach be sure to cast your vote!