Volume 11, Issue 2 June, 2011 From your PTA Co-President, Margaret Editor: Laurie Weissman Happy Spring everyone! you I don’t think I could have made it through the year. These Moms are so As I look around our school, I see the resourceful, caring and most of all dedi- flowers blooming and hear the cheer- cated in everything they do. A hug goes ful giggles of children. It reminds me to my Co-President Leslie, great job! that spring is here and summer is not Her dedication and support made this too far away. The halls and play- year a fun and enjoyable one. Leslie you ground are full of life and excitement. have so many great ideas, keep going, we I see the changes in the children, they all could benefit from them. I don’t like all seem so confident and sure of to say goodbye so I'll say see you all themselves. It is hard to believe that later. I am confident that with our new another year at Lee Road has gone so Co-President Roma and the wise knowl- quickly. This year seemed to fly by so edge of Leslie our school PTA is going to fast. I think one reason was due to the be a strong one. I want to wish the amount of support I had. I would like graduating fifth graders a big congrats to thank Mr. Goss for helping and and best wishes in Salk. I'd like to end supporting me and the PTA. When with saying I hope everyone has a fun you have a principal that is open to filled summer. See you next year! new ideas it makes everything that much better. I would also like to P.S.: Thanks Laurie for the great Road- thank the Lee Road Staff. They have runner issues, I'll miss you helped in soo many ways, copies, phone calls and let’s not forget the Margaret Costa new PTA closet! A great big Thanks goes out to the wonderful PTA board, you all are truly special and without

Lee Road PTA Executive Committee, 2010—2011 Co-Presidents Margaret Costa Recording Secretary Valerie Davie Leslie Cassidy Corresponding Secretary Laurie Weissman 1st Vice President Helen Travers Historian Bridgette Hogan 2nd Vice President Connie Irving Treasurer Lisa Field 3rd Vice President Kim Aquilino Past President Lynn D’Angelo Delegates: Jackie Butler, Jeanne Del Grosso, Andrea Dempsey, Donna Gianaris, Roma Nowak, Gina Portello, Pam Sweeney

June Dates to Remember Stay connected 15: Field Day/SchoolKidz Supply Box Pick Up to the Lee Road

LEE ROAD PTA, WANTAGH, NY PTA! Join the 16: 5th Grade Yearbook Distribution/Bagel Breakfast join the Lee 17: Field Day Rain Date Road PTA e-mail database. 19: Father’s Day The Lee Road PTA e-mail address is: leeroad- 22: 5th Grade Moving Up, 9:30 a.m.

Roadrunner [email protected] 23: LAP Ends Send your name and e-mail address to us and we will 24: Last Day of School! 10:00 a.m. Dismissal add you to the distribution list. Thank you! HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!! Principal’s Message

The individuals and institutions who will succeed and flourish will also be masters of change: adept at reorienting their own and other’s activities in untried directions to bring about higher levels of achievement. ‐ Rosebeth Moss Kanter Although we have seen changes in the make‐up of our staff, it is quite apparent that our students have experienced a wonderful year of learning. Our success is due, in no small part, to the shared vision of our teachers, PTA and school community of always putting our students first. Our teachers, through collaborative professional development, continue to move from good to great, as we strive to improve our instructional practices. As a result, we have observed our youngsters at all grade levels, becoming better problem solvers and higher level thinkers. Furthermore, our PTA continues to consistently “deliver the goods” as they have provided the resources, man‐power (or should I say women power) and creative thinking, which has enriched our youngsters’ learning experiences and helped to foster an authentic sense of school commu‐ nity. Moving forward, we are encountering changes in the structure of our educational system at the national as well the state level. These modifications have led to necessary changes at the district and school level. Regardless of the changes required, we will work in partnership to maintain our vision, clarify what is important, and develop a pri‐ oritized plan that will ensure the best possible learning experience for our youngsters. Rest assured, we will achieve this through the active engagement of our school community. In conclusion, I would like to congratulate our graduating fifth grade class and a sincere thanks to Mrs. Margaret Costa, our exiting PTA Co‐President, for her two years of outstanding leadership and service to our school commu‐ nity. Have a healthy and enjoyable summer! Yours Truly, Anthony Goss

Paper Cranes Students at Lee Road School folded 367 paper cranes to help support their Japa- nese peers and the many victims of the earthquake that struck Sendai. The paper cranes were mailed to the organization Students Rebuild who pledged to send $2 for each paper crane folded. To date, over one million paper cranes have been re- ceived by the organization from all over the world. This outpouring of support has sparked a $500,000 donation which exceeded the initial promise of Pictured here are: $200,000. The cranes will be woven into a Top: Brian Murphy, Keith Boerner, Zachary future art installation in Japan. This will be Galella, Elise Murphy a symbolic gift from students around the Bottom: Samuel Ruiz, Anthony Bologna globe to the Japanese youth.

Page 2 ROADRUNNER Faculty News From the School Nurse Dear Parents, Once again the months seemed to have flown by and we are at the end of another school year. I would like to thank you for your help and cooperation throughout the year. It has been a pleasure to work with you and your children. I would also like to say a special goodbye to all our 5th grade parents and students as they move up to middle school and the next phase of their lives. You will all be missed! I wish you good luck and best wishes as you leave Lee Road School. I hope you take the memories and lessons you have learned here with you on your journey through life. I know you will all succeed and look back on Lee Road with fond memories. A Few Reminders: - New York State mandates complete physicals for all new students and those children entering grades K, 2 and 4. Medical forms will be sent home with Report Cards or can be downloaded from our website. They are due back in October. - All medication in the Health Office must be picked up by a parent prior to the last day of school or it has to be discarded. - If your child has been or will be taking medication during school hours next year, new forms will be sent home during the summer and must be filled out by your physician and submitted to me with the medication in September. Please note that No medication can be given without a doctor’s order. Thank you again for a great 2010-2011 school year. I wish you all a happy, healthy and enjoyable sum- mer.

Sincerely, Joanne Kusky School Nurse

HEAT ADVISORY!! Dear parents: As you know, we have been having very hot weather for the last few weeks, and it’s only June! Please keep this in mind when sending your children to school as the building is very warm. Please don’t forget to send your children in with water bottles and apply sun block where needed, as the children will be going outdoors for physical edu- cation classes and recess. The teachers will also make allowances for the weather and give students frequent water and bathroom breaks to cool off and remain hydrated. In extreme heat it is important to keep activities to a minimum and watch for signs of heat exhaustion. Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include: nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and confusion. Thank you, Mrs. Kusky

JUNE, 2011 Page 3 Committee News

Memorial Scholarship Winner Announced at MacArthur Senior Awards on June 2nd The Allison Sciubba Memorial Scholarship was inaugurated in 1998 as a special way to commemorate the beautiful life of a Lee Road student who lost her life to cancer at the age of five. This project was established and is funded by the Lee Road PTA and provides a monetary award to a graduating senior from MacArthur High School who attended Lee Road Elementary School, and who accurately completes the applica- tion process. This year’s recipient was chosen and awarded $500 towards college expenses. The scholarship com- mittee is proud to announce Lisa Stockman as the winner of the 2011 Allison Sciubba Memorial Scholarship. Congratulations to Lisa! Submitted by Andrea Dempsey, Chairperson

Cultural Arts Lee Road’s SIXTH Bi-Annual Walk to School Day! Helen Travers and Carolyn Szydlowski The Lee Road PTA recently held its SIXTH Bi-Annual We would like to tell you Walk to School Day!! Lee Road children and parents about the two wonderful joined together and walked to school on the morning of Friday, May 20th. Cultural Arts presenta‐ tions that finished up our This Walk to School Day event took place in conjunction with a Worldwide Project called ACES (All Children Ex- year. In March, to coincide with LEADD week, the ercise Simultaneously). The walk was a great testament students enjoyed a presentation of No Smoking: to our ongoing commitment to improving the health and Lungs at Work by Chip Bryant. Mr. Bryant taught wellness of our community the children about the anatomy of the respiratory and motivating our children system and then the hazards of tobacco and how to exercise. they effect the respiratory system. He also encour‐ The weather was beautiful aged the students to not succumb to peer pressure and we had a wonderful and make the destructive decision to smoke. In turnout for this event. Thank April, the first and second graders had an enjoyable you to everyone who par- morning when author Barbara Garriel came to Lee ticipated! Road to "Read and Sing Out Loud". The children Submitted by Andrea Dempsey, actively participated by singing and acting out sev‐ Chairperson eral patriotic songs and stories set to music. The The Nominating Committee is pleased to report the slate of highlight was the last song of the program when the Executive Committee members for the 2011-2012 school children acted out Ms. Garriel's own book, I Know a year. Shy Fellow Who Swallowed a Cello. We have had Co-Presidents: Leslie Cassidy and Roma Nowak such wonderful presentations this year: Flight!, 1st Vice President: Helen Travers Jambo, The Power of One, No Smoking and Read 2nd Vice President: Valerie Davie and Sing Out Loud. Our fourth graders also had a 3rd Vice President: Kim Aquilino Native Life workshop presented by representatives Treasurer: Lisa Field Recording Secretary: Tracey Dell Italia from Hoyt Farm Park and the third graders recently Corresponding Secretary: Lynn D’Angelo had a visit from The Butterfly Man. We hope every‐ Historian: Bridgette Hogan one enjoyed the programs and learned something Past President: Margaret Costa special along the way. We can't wait to see what's in Delegates: Diane Byrnes, Jackie Butler, Jeannie Del Grosso, Donna store for us next year. Ganiaris, Kathy Hegdahl, Pam Sweeney and Angela Weber

Page 4 ROADRUNNER Committee News

A million thanks to following PTA committee volunteers who worked so hard all year for the benefit of the students. Your time and effort is truly appreciated.

“Volunteers to not necessarily have Laurie Weissman the time, they have the heart.” Leslie Cassidy - Elizabeth Andrew Lisa Field Lisa Jimenez Lori Shapiro Andrea Clarkson Eve LeRoy Lorraine Bernauer Andrea Dempsey Gina Portello Lynn Calabro Angela Mumolo Helen Travers Lynn D'Angelo Angela Weber Jackie Butler Margaret Costa Anna Cassese Jane Gutowitz Marie Mendes Anna Razza Jeanne DelGrosso Mary Lou Miller Betty Mullane Jennifer Jennings Meredith Cummings Bridgette Hogan Joe Mueller Michelle Gallela Carolyn Szydlowski Kathy Hegdahl Pam Sweeney Cindy Larkin Kelly Russo Patty Duffe Connie Irving Kim Angieri Roma Nowak Danielle Varga Kim Aquilino Sandra Duffy Denise Mueller Kim Hnis Susan Vartoukian Diane Byrnes Kim Lopes Tracy DellItalia Donna Ganiaris Laura Coppola Valerie Davie Donna Hoesten Laura Rosa Xinia Velasquez

Box Tops / FundingFactory Recycling Program / Labels for Education In addition to the periodic fundraisers that the Lee Road PTA holds, there are recurring, year-round programs / fundraisers that are easy to participate in and help your school just as much! These programs are simple and free. There is nothing to sell, no paperwork and no deadlines. They are Box Tops for Education, FundingFactory Recycling Program and Labels for Education. Just send in the items anytime, we'll take it from there! THANKS for your support! Box Tops for Education: http://www.boxtops4education.com/earn/clip/Brands.aspx Simply clip the 'Box Tops' labels off participating products [some examples include: Avery, Betty Crocker, Brita, General Mills, Hefty, Land O Lakes, Pillsbury, Progresso, Viva, Welch's, Yoplait, Ziploc and others] and send them into the school in an envelope marked 'Box Tops' OR, use the 'theme' forms if you want your children to have fun and be a part of the process. Each one earns us 10 cents. There's also an online way to contribute. See the Web site for a detailed list of participating products, recipes, coupons and more! FundingFactory: http://www.fundingfactory.com/ We are helping to keep the Earth clean while earning cash! Just send your empty printer cartridges from both home AND office printers, as well as used cell phones, into school; there is a container marked 'FundingFactory' in the main office. Note: office printer cartridges tend to earn us more $ [because they're larger]; consider asking your office manager if they would donate empty ones to you for our school! Labels for Education: http://www.labelsforeducation.com/ Simply collect the UPC symbols from: BIC, Campbell's, Franco American, Pepperidge Farm, Pop Secret, Post Ce- real, Prego, SpaghettiOs, Swanson, V8, as well as Wolfgang Puck products, and send them into the school in an envelope marked 'Labels for Education'. Each UPC code earns us points towards merchandise for Lee Road! Check out the web site for a detailed list of participating products.

JUNE, 2011 Page 5 Committee News

ROCK ‘N ROLL BOWLING FUNDRAISER Hosted by the Dollars for Scholars Committee The Levittown Schools Dollars for Scholars program, which gives out over $8,000 in college scholarships each year to the graduating seniors of Division and MacArthur High Schools, is hosting an awe- some night of BOWLING, MUSIC, PIZZA, SODA, KARAOKE AND RAFFLES.

Join in the fun on Friday, June 24th at 7pm at South Levittown Lanes. The cost is $30 per person or a group rate of $150 for up to (6) people per lane.

If you would like to participate, or if you have any questions, please contact Andrea Dempsey at 796-3376

Kids Corner

Lee Road Superheroes A Disney Story By: Mrs. Cacamis’ First Grade Class I go to Disney in Florida a lot. And I A superhero is kind. ~Timmy Trainor was going there for 2 weeks. First, I A superhero is courageous. ~Mikey McKenna stayed at a new hotel and we went A superhero makes the school a happier place. ~Jake Livigni there for 3 days. We went to Magic A superhero stands up for himself. ~Jason Tordy Kingdom all 3 days. Next, we went A superhero stands up for other people. ~Theresa Zito A superhero is helpful. ~Madison Budek on the Disney Wonder for 5 nights. A superhero smiles. ~Hailey Ledee We had so much fun on the boat. A superhero can stop bullies. ~Sana Kashmiri Last we went to the Beach Club Re- A superhero is brave. ~Matthew Cassidy sort for 5 days. After the parks each A superhero makes the school a better place. ~Julie Weltner day we went to the pool. It was so A superhero feels good about himself. ~Michael Ganiaris much fun. Now we get to go on the A superhero is friendly. ~Ryan Jimenez new Disney Ship. The Disney A superhero does good deeds. ~Anthony Costa Dream!! I can’t wait! A superhero makes others feel good. ~Nicky Varga Jennifer Mullane A superhero is nice. ~Joseph Pardi A superhero is polite. ~Joseph Parascondola A superhero is loving. ~Frank Mumolo A superhero is an “upstander.” ~Jennifer LeRoy A superhero is the best that he/she can be. ~Matthew Modica A superhero talks things out. ~Madison Hnis A superhero makes a difference. ~Tiffany Pereira Be a “Superhero” make a difference.

Page 6 ROADRUNNER Kids Corner Goodbye Lee Road-We will Miss you!!! Our Bird’s Nest By: Mrs. Cacamis’ First Grade Class It's been 13 years, but it seems like just one, We have a bird’s nest outside our classroom The Bologna family years at Lee Road have been super window. There are two baby birds in the nest. fun! The mama bird is taking care of We've made lots of friends and shared it all: them. She is feeding them. It is Our joys, our sadness, we've had a ball! very exciting having a bird’s nest The teachers, the staff: you all have been swell, outside our window. Mrs. Kusky, somehow, you always made us well! We must leave you now, as the youngest moves on, Once in our hearts, Lee Road, you will never be gone! Proud To Be an American By Timmy Trainor First Grade – Mrs. Cacamis I am proud to be an American because America has food and water. It has sunshine and rain to help the flowers grow. America is beautiful. I love America.

My Country By: Jennifer LeRoy First Grade – Mrs. Cacamis

I love my country because we can have pets. My teacher is loving. I have a loving family. Submitted by Nicholas, Louis, Cara & Anthony Bologna I love America!

FUN TIME IN THE SUMMER TIME B.E.A.C.H. the Beach is fun! I can’t wait for the summer. There are so many fun things to do with my friends. Like Even more exciting than you think. wesome to swim in the ocean! having pool parties, bike riding, going to the it’s A it’s Cool to go to the beach with friends. beach, roller blading and lots more. I also get to stay up late. The summer is my fa- you’ll Have a great time! vorite season. I am going to have a fun Kristina Muckle time in the summertime. Grade 4 ~ Mrs. Rabinoff Doriana Cardon Grade 4 ~ Mrs. Rabinoff

When I Learned to Read When I was 3, I learned to read on my own. I learned by sounds and letters. So then I took a book and started reading. My Mom was so proud of me! And that’s how I learned to read.

Taylor Muckle Grade 2 ~ Mrs. Dillon

JUNE, 2011 Page 7 From Your PTA Co-President, Leslie...

As the school year draws to a close, I look back fondly at all the programs the Lee Road PTA has continued or implemented. It certainly wouldn't have been possible without the contributions of SO many volun- teers throughout the year - THANK YOU! This issue will recognize those volunteers who have made a differ- ence by giving their endless time and energy to enhance the experience of our children. We have a special school and I'm proud to be a part of it! I've had a lot of FUN along the way and I truly appreciate all that everyone has done to have made my transition to Co-President such an easy one. As Margaret Costa steps down as Co-President, I want to personally acknowledge her service. She has been extremely dedicated to your children and her efforts should not go unnoticed! Roma Nowak will step into her shoes next year and I look forward to working with her as she embraces this new role on behalf of your children. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not sincerely THANK Mr. Goss, all of the Lee Road staff and the entire Executive Committee for their flexibility, commitment and support throughout the year. Many of the ideas and programs you've enjoyed would not have been possible without them! Your PTA 'team' is a strong one - full of involved teachers and parents. Remember - team really stands for 'Together Everyone Achieves More'! We hope that you [if you have not already done so] become a part of our PTA 'team' next year either through membership, by at- tending our meetings, by contributing to our fundraising efforts or joining a committee! We need you! The school year may be ending soon but certainly not the tireless work of your PTA. We'll keep you posted over the summer via our web site [check often for news and updates - especially revised committee defini- tions]. We'll send e-mail notices as well [for PTA members that have provided an email address]. Also, we hope you'll continue to support us by participating in the 'Box Tops for Education, Labels for Education and / or FundingFactory Recycling Programs' during the summer [see inside for details]. It's SO easy and will cre- ate the ability for us to continue some of the programs the children have come to depend on next year [i.e., recess supplies]. Hope ALL have an exciting rest of the year and summer! To our 5th grade students and par- ents - it's been a special journey. Enjoy the next adventure. You've been an important part of our Lee Road family over the years - we'll miss you!!

The Executive Committee of the Lee Road PTA would like to congratulate our 5th grade class of 2011 as you move up to middle school!!

Additionally, we would like to extend best wishes to the families of some of our 5th graders who are also “Graduating” from Lee Road!

The Barrett’s Mrs. Camarda (Sickler) The Lincoln’s The Romero’s The Beauliere’s The Dambra’s The Marcus’ The Rosen’s The Bellia’s The Duffe’s The Nastazio’s The Seinberg’s The Bologna’s The Gasparis’ The Neuhaus’ The Tamborello’s The Bradfield’s The Grunfeld’s The Nugent’s The Touhey’s The Brennan’s The Gutowitz’s The O’Hara’s The Weisman’s Mrs. Bullero (Bracher) The Hernandez’s The Razza’s The Weissman’s The Calderon’s

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