With schools looking ahead to the most “normal” academic year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we asked superintendents, “What new and innovative programs are being introduced within your district for the 2022-23 school year?” Here are responses from schools chiefs in Nassau County; the responses have been edited for length and clarity.
SHARI L. CAMHI
Baldwin Union Free School District
As part of Baldwin Union Free School District’s ongoing effort to provide students with real-life, hands-on professional experiences across various career paths, we are excited to launch a state-of-the-art recording studio, which will allow for work-based learning in the field of music and sound engineering to take place right within our school system. Featuring a control room equipped with a sound recording and mixing console, a music room, a drum booth, vocal booth and podcast technology, the stylized and inspirational space will mirror the recording studios used in today’s music industry by veteran artists, music producers and sound engineers. Our students will fully engage with the studio technology in countless ways, whether creating a podcast for a history class or recording a “poetry slam” for an English project.
New courses centered on the field of sound engineering will also be made available to coincide with the studio launch, including Podcast Production, Music & Arts Sound Engineering, and Voice-Over Production. Immersing our students into the world of work will ensure that Baldwin High School graduates are that much more prepared for their future profession.
STEVEN J. MALONEY
Bay Shore School District
The Bay Shore School District offers its students participation in a K-2 STEAM program, which was first implemented in the fall of 2021.
STEAM education, which incorporates science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics, allows students to learn about science and engineering principles while exploring their creativity with hands-on project-based experiences. Bay Shore teachers designed a curriculum to include lessons in topics like robotics and coding that incorporate visual arts. The program’s impact goes far beyond math, technology or art lessons; children enhance their critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills. These are key qualities in today’s fast-paced, interconnected world. Developing these abilities ensures graduates from Bay Shore are ready for success in their postgraduate endeavors.
To further the goals of the program, each of the district’s K-2 buildings has a dedicated STEAM teacher who leads classes on a set weekly schedule, in the same way physical education, art and music are taught. This program has created new avenues for collaboration with our parent groups, which have donated materials for the STEAM classes.
By implementing a full K-2 STEAM curriculum, these skills are ingrained and cultivated in students from an early age.
SHARON A. DUNGEE
Central Islip School District
It is imperative that as educators, we implement high-quality, innovative programs that span the spectrum of the curricula. This sets the stage for us to provide students with opportunities to achieve their personal best for success and equips them with the tools they will need to compete in the 21st century’s