With three state titles as a high school basketball player and several years on an NBA coaching staff, Jason Fraser had a lot to talk about as he met virtually with students at Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School on June 10. But the most important messages were about getting a good education and having a positive attitude.

Mr. Fraser was the latest Amityville alumnus to share his success story with Park Avenue students and to offer words of encouragement and motivation. In speaking with third graders, he discussed his childhood in Amityville and how his love of basketball developed. Students were excited to hear that they play at the same parks where he transformed into one of the top high school players in the country.  

He graduated from Amityville Memorial High School in 2002, where he won three state championships as a member of the varsity basketball team, before playing for Villanova University. Later, Mr. Fraser became an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns and is now the assistant athletic director at Skyline Preparatory High School in Phoenix. This year, he was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame.
 
Mr. Fraser emphasized the value of hard work, determination and good character. Recalling a story of people doubting his own chances for future success, he reminded students that they are in control of their own destiny. The videoconference ended with a question-and-answer session. 
 
In April, 1999 Amityville Memorial High School graduate Raj Parekh, the acting United States attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, spoke with Park Avenue students, followed in May by former NFL player Darrel Young, from the Class of 2005.

The Board of Education of the Amityville Union Free School District recognized nearly 40 staff members who are either retiring or have achieved a milestone level of service to the district. Staff Recognition Night, which was held on June 9, is an annual tradition to honor administrators, teachers and support staff for their dedication to Amityville’s students. 

Retirees include teachers Joan Peshler, Elbert Platt, Christine Quigley, Laurette Roddin, Deborah Ross and Susan Rutigliano; teacher assistants Susan McDougall, Alfreta Lidge, Patricia Monaco, Kathleen Rousseau and Yuko Suzuki; custodians James Carrington, Bernard Ricks, Anthony Tolliver and George Williams; and clerical staff Barbara Miller and Karen Petermann.

Several staff members were also recognized for milestone service anniversaries with the district.

20 years: Mary Abbruscato, Nicole Altamura, Daren Aversa, Michelle Eastwood, Steven Gafarian, Selina Gibbons, Francine John, Ronnie Johns, Mary-Ellen Loiacono, Joan Peshler, Susan Rutigliano, Lauren James Seubert, Diane Stokes and Colleen Vanni.

25 years: Sherefer Arrington, Angela Gibson, Adriana Gray, Michael Greco, William Maisel and Sikes Reese.

30 years: Donnell Lewis, Karen Petermann, Deborah Ross, Steve Wexler and Gail Wittke.

The Board of Education also presented a certificate of recognition to boys cross country coach Stephanie Barnes, who was named the League 7 Coach of the Year by the Suffolk County Track and Field Coaches Association. 

With the transition to middle school just a few months away for fifth graders in Amityville, they got some help from their peers who know the lay of the land. Members of the National Junior Honor Society at Edmund W. Miles Middle School spearheaded a “Virtual Transition to Middle School” workshop for fifth graders at Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School.

Honor Society members, under the direction of adviser Carlee Brunson, created a presentation that included a picture tour of the middle school, a guide to block scheduling and the advisory period, and information about clubs and sports. They also discussed the expectations of middle school, the differences between elementary and middle school, requirements for NJHS and staff members they can turn to for support. The virtual program concluded with a question and answer session.

Noted Park Avenue guidance counselor Kim Balducci, “Although our fifth graders can't visit the middle school this year, we brought the middle school to them.”

Darrel Young reflects fondly on his career as a professional football player, but his time as a student in Amityville Union Free School District also invokes many fond memories. Young connected with fourth graders virtually at Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School on May 17, and they listened with excitement as he talked about his childhood and his career. 

Young graduated in 2005 from Amityville Memorial High School, where he played football for the Warriors. He then attended Villanova University, followed by a six-year playing career in the NFL with Washington. In addition to sharing his experiences a player, he was able to talk with students about his new job as director of player development for the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

During the videoconference, Young shared some words of wisdom. He spoke to students about setting goals and aspirations, as well as how to be motivated to reach their desired life outcomes. He also discussed how the education he received in Amityville and how it set him up for success in adulthood.

Young noted the importance of living a selfless life. He said he begins every day asking himself, “Who can I help today?” and “How can I help them?” and ends every day by asking, “Who did I help today?” and “How did I help them?”

Fourth grade teacher Leighann Ruggiero said that as a former Amityville student, he related very well to current Park Avenue students, who were engaged throughout the discussion. She noted that Young’s message about personal responsibility and being accountable for one’s own actions was very powerful for students.

“He was great, and the students had a lot of great questions,” Ms. Ruggiero said. “He reminded them that they can do anything they put their minds to. It was a positive message that will help motivate and encourage them.”

A new character education program at Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School is celebrating all of the traits that come with being an Amityville Warrior. Assistant Principal Joshua Atlas said the new Warrior Weeks initiative will continue for six weeks with lots of spirit activities centered around Warrior Pride. 

The first five weeks each focus on different pillar based on the school’s acronym, PAMES – positivity, achievement, motivation, engagement and staying safe. The last week will incorporate all five character education pillars and include a door decorating contest.

During positivity week, each teacher picked a Positive Warrior the Day. Every class made a positive vision board outlining their goals. During lunch periods, students wrote positive letters to other people in the building, and a group of students traveled around the building each day to deliver the mail.

Mr. Atlas said that character education, which is a part of the school’s social and emotional learning program, continues to be a major emphasis at Park Avenue. He added that positive behavior leads to more engagement in instruction, setting students up for success in their academics and helping them develop better relationships with their teachers and their peers.