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Education

New Law Will Put A Student On Every School Board In NY New Law Will Put A Student On Every School Board In NY
New Law Will Put A Student On Every School Board In NY There will soon be a student on every school board in New York.A new law requiring all state boards of education to have at least one student member will take effect on July 1, 2025. The students will attend public meetings, but not executive sessions, and won't be allowed to vote. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the bill on Thursday, Sept. 5. It will also remove the current law requirement that a student member seat be authorized by referendum of the voters of the district.  The bill would also remove the requirement that a student member be a senior at the school and instead require only …
Long Island School Superintendent Ousted Over Possible Misconduct Long Island School Superintendent Ousted Over Possible Misconduct
Long Island School Superintendent Ousted Over Possible Misconduct A Long Island school district formally cut ties with its superintendent over possible misconduct. The Hempstead School Board voted 4-1 to remove Superintendent Regina Armstrong at a special meeting held Thursday evening, Sept. 5. Armstrong was "reassigned to home effective immediately," board President Victor Pratt said in a letter to the community. “This decision was not made lightly and comes after a comprehensive review of recent developments and their impact on our school district,” he said. Specifically, the district is investigating whether Armstrong “misused facilities” by hos…
Teen Duo Charged After Knife Found At Sachem North High School In Lake Ronkonkoma Teen Duo Charged After Knife Found At Sachem North High School In Lake Ronkonkoma
Teen Duo Charged After Knife Found At Sachem North High School In Lake Ronkonkoma Two teens have been charged following a dispute that allegedly prompted  one of them to bring a knife to school on Long Island. A 15-year-old boy displayed the knife at his bus stop and was met by staff members as he exited the bus at Sachem High School North in Lake Ronkonkoma, according to Suffolk County Police. The knife was recovered, and police were notified. The teen was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon. A further investigation by Suffolk County PD Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers determined that the teen had previously been th…
Planet Nugg Hosts Grand Opening For Long Island's Largest Marijuana Dispensary Planet Nugg Hosts Grand Opening For Long Island's Largest Marijuana Dispensary
Planet Nugg Hosts Grand Opening For Long Island's Largest Marijuana Dispensary Dave Tubens wants to open Long Island's eyes to the benefits of cannabis.  The chiropractor is set to open the island's third dispensary Planet Nugg at 2043 Wellwood Ave in Farmingdale on Friday, Sept. 6. And he's planning for a grand opening people will remember.  "It's going to be a party on Friday and Saturday," he told Daily Voice. "We're going to have a DJ. We'll be giving out free food. We'll have vendor showcases, and we'll be giving away VIP cards." The festivities begin at 10 a.m. and go until 8 p.m.  Dave Tubens Tubens wants to have an extraterrestrial feel…
Donald Trump Paints America In Collapse In Elon Musk X Interview Plagued By Tech Glitches Donald Trump Paints America In Collapse In Elon Musk X Interview Plagued By Tech Glitches
Donald Trump Paints America In Collapse In Elon Musk X Interview Plagued By Tech Glitches In an at-times rambling conversation plagued by tech glitches that jumped from fawning praise to forced questions, former President Donald Trump laid out his clearest thesis for his campaign: Vote Trump to preserve American supremacy around the globe and avoid a World War.  The conversation began about the assassination attempt on Trump's life. Musk said he was stunned at how close Trump was to losing his life. The former president said even his doctors couldn't believe his luck.  The former president said it was most likely divine intervention that saved his life. https://t.c…
Two-Time DWI Driver Sentenced For Killing 'Beloved' Teacher On Long Island: DA Two-Time DWI Driver Sentenced For Killing 'Beloved' Teacher On Long Island: DA
Two-Time DWI Driver Sentenced For Killing 'Beloved' Teacher On Long Island: DA A Long Island man has been given a lengthy prison sentence for driving drunk and high, hitting and killing a 42-year-old father and teacher who was only blocks away from his home. Christopher Flores, age 29, was sentenced on Tuesday, July 9 to five to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter and more, the Nassau County District Attorney announced. Over two years before, on March 19, 2022, Flores, who is from Long Beach, was speeding eastbound on Merrick Road on his 2020 BMW motorcycle at around 11:50 p.m. in Rockville Centre. As he approached the intersection of Forest …
Free Pool Access For Summer: Hochul Launches 'Get Offline, Get Outside' Campaign At NY Parks Free Pool Access For Summer: Hochul Launches 'Get Offline, Get Outside' Campaign At NY Parks
Free Pool Access For Summer: Hochul Launches 'Get Offline, Get Outside' Campaign At NY Parks As part of an initiative to promote physical and mental health among young New Yorkers, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that pool entry fees will be waived at state parks this summer. “Summer is here – get offline and get outside.” On Tuesday, July 2, Hochul announced that for the rest of the summer, there will be no entry fees at New York State Parks pools. It’s part of the “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign, which encourages young people and families to prioritize their mental and physical health by taking a break from social media to enjoy recreation and social gatherings outdoors. Poo…
Fox News Star Sean Hannity Sells New York Home For Just Under $13 Million Fox News Star Sean Hannity Sells New York Home For Just Under $13 Million
Fox News Star Sean Hannity Sells New York Home For Just Under $13 Million After just a week on the market, news anchor Sean Hannity sold his 10,600-square-foot waterfront estate. The estate, located in the town of Oyster Bay village of Centre Island, was listed for $13.75 million but sold at $12.7 million. Sold by Nest Seekers International’s Shawn Elliott after a bidding war, the buyer (who has not been named) received not only the seven-bedroom, nine-bath house but all the furniture as well, according to the Wall Street Journal and a representative for Elliott. Earlier Report: Fox News' Sean Hannity Lists Oyster Bay Home For $13.7M The estate boasts …
US Presidential Scholars: 6 NY High School Seniors Awarded Top Honor US Presidential Scholars: 6 NY High School Seniors Awarded Top Honor
US Presidential Scholars: 6 NY High School Seniors Awarded Top Honor These students have a date with the president. Six graduating seniors from New York were among just 161 high school students across the country to be selected as a US Presidential Scholar, one of the nation’s highest honors for students. Established in 1964, the award recognizes distinguished seniors who have shown exceptional accomplishments in areas like academics, leadership, and service to their school and communities. The program was later expanded to include students in the visual, creative, and performing arts, and in career and technical education fields. In the Empire State, the…
New York Among Top 25 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why New York Among Top 25 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why
New York Among Top 25 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why New York continues to rank among the top 25 best states in the country. The Empire State came in at No. 23 – down slightly from No. 20 last year – on the 2024 Best States list by U.S. News & World Report, released Tuesday, May 7. Rankings were determined using 71 metrics across eight categories, including fiscal stability, infrastructure, education, health care, and the economy. Data was pulled from national surveys taken by nearly 70,000 people. New York made the top 10 for natural environment and health care, coming in at No. 5 and No. 8, respectively, while placing No. 12 in educat…
Best High Schools: Westchester Well-Represented In Brand-New Rankings Best High Schools: Westchester Well-Represented In Brand-New Rankings
Best High Schools: Westchester Well-Represented In Brand-New Rankings New York is well-represented on U.S. News & World Report's latest rankings of the nation's best high schools. The brand-new rankings were released Tuesday morning, April 23, and determined by performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well they prepare students for college. The highest-ranked school outside New York City is on Long Island: Jericho, at No. 13 statewide and 104th nationally. The top-rated high school in Westchester County is Edgemont at No. 14 in the state and 128th in the nation, with Bronxville, at No. 16 in the state and 151st nationally. Another W…
Ex-Principal Lied About Relationship With Student, Faked Job Applications On Long Island: DA Ex-Principal Lied About Relationship With Student, Faked Job Applications On Long Island: DA
Ex-Principal Lied About Relationship With Student, Faked Job Applications On Long Island: DA The former principal of a Long Island middle school has been charged with faking her employment application, leaving out that she had her license suspended years prior for having a relationship with a student. Jessica Bader, who was previously known as Jessica Zimbler, faced her arraignment on Monday, April 1, the Nassau County District Attorney announced. Bader, age 52 from Nesconset, applied for a position as the Director of Humanities at the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District (OBENCSD) in March 2022, the DA’s Office said. She was hired two months later. In July 2023, she…
'Hometown Hero' Staffer Saves Choking Second Grader At Long Island School 'Hometown Hero' Staffer Saves Choking Second Grader At Long Island School
'Hometown Hero' Staffer Saves Choking Second Grader At Long Island School She was in the right place at the right time. An employee at a Long Island elementary school is being hailed a hero after saving a student from choking. The frightening incident happened Friday, March 8, in Commack, at Wood Park Primary School on New Highway. Commack School District officials said school monitor Francesca Augello was making her usual rounds in the cafeteria when she spotted a second-grade boy choking on a piece of pizza. Without missing a beat, Augello performed the Heimlich maneuver on the 8-year-old and was able to clear his airway. The six-year employee credited her …
Nassau County Bans Transgender Athletes From Competing In Women's, Girls Sports Nassau County Bans Transgender Athletes From Competing In Women's, Girls Sports
Nassau County Bans Transgender Athletes From Competing In Women's, Girls Sports Nassau County will ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s and girls sports at local facilities, a move that mirrors similar legislation throughout the country and has sparked outrage among advocates. County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced the executive order, which will go into effect immediately, at a press conference on Thursday, Feb. 22. The order applies only to female competitive sports, not co-ed or male sports. It will prevent transgender women from participating in women’s sports at all county-run facilities. "This is not precluding anybody from participating in s…
Poll Shows Tight Race In Special Election For George Santos Congressional Seat Poll Shows Tight Race In Special Election For George Santos Congressional Seat
Poll Shows Tight Race In Special Election For George Santos Congressional Seat New polling is showing a tight race ahead of New York’s special election to fill George Santos’ vacant House seat. An Emerson College/PIX11 poll of 3rd District voters released Thursday, Jan. 18, shows Democrat Tom Suozzi narrowly leading Republican Mazi Pilip 45 percent to 42 percent. Five percent of voters want someone else for the job while nine percent are still undecided, the poll found. Earlier Report: Election Date Set To Fill George Santos' Vacant House Seat The 3rd District seat – which represents parts of Nassau County and Queens – has sat vacant since Santos was ousted i…
Oh, Brother: Twins Earn Valedictorian, Salutatorian At Their Long Island High School Oh, Brother: Twins Earn Valedictorian, Salutatorian At Their Long Island High School
Oh, Brother: Twins Earn Valedictorian, Salutatorian At Their Long Island High School  A pair of twin brothers from Long Island have taken the top-of-the-class spots at their high school. Devon and Dylan Lee, fraternal twins from New Hyde Park, share not only their genes but a streak of academic success. The brothers, who are seniors at Herricks High School, were announced by their school as the top two students in their class – Devon as valedictorian and Dylan as salutatorian – in November 2023. According to a report by ABC 7 New York, the brothers’ GPAs were different by just six-thousandths of a point. The station also announced that the Lees have chosen what c…
Second Swastika Found At Middle School On Long Island: 'Please Speak With Your Children' Second Swastika Found At Middle School On Long Island: 'Please Speak With Your Children'
Second Swastika Found At Middle School On Long Island: 'Please Speak With Your Children' A Long Island school district is urging parents to partner alongside schools in teaching the gravity of bigotry after a second swastika symbol was found in the span of a week. On Monday, Nov. 27, the Riverhead Central School District (CSD) sent a letter out to the community regarding the discovery of a swastika written on a blackboard by a student at Riverhead Middle School. The release closely mirrors a similar letter written by interim Superintendent Cheryl Pedisich just days before, when a swastika was found drawn on a piece of art in the same school. Earlier Report: Swastika …
Teacher Who Sexually Abused 15-Year-Old Long Island Student Dodges Prison Teacher Who Sexually Abused 15-Year-Old Long Island Student Dodges Prison
Teacher Who Sexually Abused 15-Year-Old Long Island Student Dodges Prison A former Long Island high school teacher won't spend a day in prison after admitting that he sexually abused a 15-year-old student. Former Babylon High School teacher Timothy Harrison, age 48, of Oak Beach, was sentenced to three years of probation in Suffolk County Court on Monday, Nov. 27. It came months after the former special education teacher and coach pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of a child. Earlier Report: Former Babylon Teacher Admits Sexually Abusing Underage Student, Avoids Felony Conviction The abuse began with flirty text…
This Westchester School District Among Top 13 In Nation, According To New Rankings This Westchester School District Among Top 13 In Nation, According To New Rankings
This Westchester School District Among Top 13 In Nation, According To New Rankings Several school districts in the region rank among the best in the nation in brand-new rankings. TeachSimple analyzed reviews and ratings of each US school district and ranked them from highest to lowest, with 1 being the lowest, and 5 being the highest.  The scores are based on reviews from parents and students, statistics from the US Department of Education, and user-submitted information from schools.  The two top-ranked districts in New York and Connecticut are both in Nassau County on Long Island: No. 3 Roslyn Union Free SD has a high proficiency in both reading and math. T…
Hochul Signs Controversial ‘Clean Slate’ Law Sealing Most Criminal Convictions Hochul Signs Controversial ‘Clean Slate’ Law Sealing Most Criminal Convictions
Hochul Signs Controversial ‘Clean Slate’ Law Sealing Most Criminal Convictions Millions of New Yorkers will soon have their criminal convictions sealed under new legislation meant to better help them find jobs and housing. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the “Clean Slate Act” into law during a ceremony in Brooklyn on Thursday, Nov. 16. Under the new law, those with misdemeanor convictions will have their records sealed three years after their release from incarceration, while felony convictions will be sealed after eight years. Earlier Report: Suffolk County DA Accuses Lawmakers Of 'Protecting Criminals' With Proposed 'Clean Slate' Bill Class A felonies, which include m…
'Touched The Lives Of Many': Long Island Elementary School Teacher Dies 'Touched The Lives Of Many': Long Island Elementary School Teacher Dies
'Touched The Lives Of Many': Long Island Elementary School Teacher Dies An elementary school teacher who was a part of the district for 22 years has died, school officials announced. Heather D’Antoni, a teacher at Gardiner Manor Elementary School in Bay Shore, died on the weekend of November 11, according to Bay Shore Schools Superintendent Steven J. Maloney. The district made the announcement “with great sadness” on Monday, Nov. 13. It has not been revealed how she died. “Ms. D’Antoni touched the lives of the many students who sat in her classroom,” Maloney wrote. “I have heard reflections from teachers, administrators, and support staff, that make clear …
Who's The Lucky Winner? $50K Lotto Ticket Sold At This Long Island Convenience Store Who's The Lucky Winner? $50K Lotto Ticket Sold At This Long Island Convenience Store
Who's The Lucky Winner? $50K Lotto Ticket Sold At This Long Island Convenience Store If you bought a lottery ticket at this Long Island store, you may just be 50 thousand dollars richer, according to lottery officials. The New York Lottery announced that a third-prize-winning Powerball ticket was sold at Kings 43 Glen Cove C-Store, located at 43 Glen Cove Avenue. The ticket, worth a total of $50,000, was part of the Wednesday, Nov. 1 Powerball drawing. Winning Powerball numbers are drawn from a field of one to 69. The red Powerball is drawn from a separate field of one to 26. Drawings are televised on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 10:59 p.m. The New York Lotte…
'Dress Like A Slut': Teacher On Long Island Bullied Disabled Student, $25M Lawsuit Claims 'Dress Like A Slut': Teacher On Long Island Bullied Disabled Student, $25M Lawsuit Claims
'Dress Like A Slut': Teacher On Long Island Bullied Disabled Student, $25M Lawsuit Claims An 18-year-old woman has filed a $25 million lawsuit against a Long Island school district, alleging that her teacher is still on the job despite an internal investigation finding that she subjected the girl to racist and other inappropriate remarks. The suit against the Middle Country Central School District, filed in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday, Sept. 5, accuses Centereach High School math teacher Jennifer Brunet of multiple “shocking and repugnant acts of misconduct” against senior Isabella Rexach-Moore. The Suffolk County resident, who is Black, receives special education accommodat…
New Principal Announced At This Long Island School New Principal Announced At This Long Island School
New Principal Announced At This Long Island School A Long Island school has appointed a principal just in time for the new school year, school officials announced. On Monday, Sept. 11, the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District announced that Melissa Argaman was appointed as the new principal of Oyster Bay High School. Argaman’s new title was effective Thursday, Sept. 7, and came in the wake of previous principal Sharon Lasher’s retirement, the district said. She originally joined the district in 2021, where she served as Oyster Bay High School’s supervisor of guidance before stepping in as acting principal for the second half …
Winner, Winner: Prize Lottery Ticket Sold At This Long Island Store Winner, Winner: Prize Lottery Ticket Sold At This Long Island Store
Winner, Winner: Prize Lottery Ticket Sold At This Long Island Store One person is over $10,000 richer after a winning ticket was sold at a Long Island convenience store, according to lottery officials. Are you the lucky winner? On Thursday, Sept. 7, the New York Lottery announced that a local gas station sold one prize-winning Take 5 Midday ticket in Valley Stream. The ticket, worth $18,474.50, was sold at the BP gas station, located at 1200 Rockaway Avenue. Its winning numbers were drawn in the Wednesday, Sept. 6 Take 5 Midday drawing. Take 5 numbers are drawn from a field of one to 39. Drawings are televised twice daily at 2:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Gam…
Best High Schools: NY Well-Represented In Brand-New U.S. News Rankings Best High Schools: NY Well-Represented In Brand-New U.S. News Rankings
Best High Schools: NY Well-Represented In Brand-New U.S. News Rankings Led by a strong showing downstate, New York is well-represented on U.S. News & World Report's brand-new rankings of the nation's best high schools. The rankings were released on Tuesday, Aug. 29. Top-ranked in the Empire State is the High School Math Science and Engineering at CCNY, with a 100-percent graduation rate and college readiness rating of 98.9, placing it at the No. 22 spot nationally. The top five-ranked Long Island high schools are: Jericho High School (13th in NY, 104th nationally) Garden City High School (21st in the state, 199th nationally) Great Neck South H…
These Westchester Schools Among Top 20 In NY, Report Says These Westchester Schools Among Top 20 In NY, Report Says
These Westchester Schools Among Top 20 In NY, Report Says When it comes to getting a quality education, several New York schools are a cut above the rest, according to the community and school ranking site Niche. Of the top 20 best schools in the states, nine can be found on Long Island and two are in Westchester County, according to the website’s 2023 “Best Public Schools in New York,” report.  The following schools were given an overall grade of A+ when considering a number of key areas, such as academics, diversity, and college prep: No. 5 - Nassau County: Jericho Senior High School No. 6 - Nassau County: Great Neck South High School No…
These Westchester School Districts Among Top 10 In America For Best Teachers, Report Says These Westchester School Districts Among Top 10 In America For Best Teachers, Report Says
These Westchester School Districts Among Top 10 In America For Best Teachers, Report Says They’re arguably the most crucial component of any student’s academic career - the unsung heroes in our society - and some of the very best teachers in the country can be found right here in New York, according to a new report. Seven school districts in the state made the top 20 on Niche’s 2023 “Districts with the best teachers in America” report. The community and school ranking website looks at a number of key areas, such as academics, diversity, college prep, and sports, and assigns each category a letter grade. The following New York school districts were given an A+ in the “teachers” …
Legacy At Stake: Harvard Admissions Perk Under Federal Review, Reports Say Legacy At Stake: Harvard Admissions Perk Under Federal Review, Reports Say
Legacy At Stake: Harvard Admissions Perk Under Federal Review, Reports Say Harvard University is under federal scrutiny for its preferential treatment of donor and legacy candidates, reports say.  The US Department of Education announced this week it had opened an investigation into the prestigious Massachusetts university's admissions practices for undergraduate applicants, according to Harvard's newspaper, the Crimson.    Related: End Of 'Legacy': Wesleyan University Halts Admissions Perk The investigation will seek to determine if the legacy or donor admissions discriminate on the basis of race, the Crimson reported. If so, the university m…
New Principal Named At This Long Island School New Principal Named At This Long Island School
New Principal Named At This Long Island School A Long Island school has appointed its new principal, school officials announced. On Thursday, June 29, East Islip Middle School announced the appointment of Michael Hansen as its new principal in the wake of previous principal Bill Brennen’s retirement, officials at East Islip Union Free School District announced. Hansen previously was the district’s science and math director, and before that served as East Islip High School’s assistant principal. He spent the 22 years prior to his time at East Islip at the Connetquot School District, where he was a science teacher and then dean of stu…
'I'm A Lucky Guy': Long Island Students Sell Bracelets, Raise Money For Teacher Battling Cancer 'I'm A Lucky Guy': Long Island Students Sell Bracelets, Raise Money For Teacher Battling Cancer
'I'm A Lucky Guy': Long Island Students Sell Bracelets, Raise Money For Teacher Battling Cancer Two kindhearted students organized a fundraiser on behalf of their teacher, who had been out sick with cancer, raising hundreds for a cancer center in his honor. Rick Iurka, a social studies teacher at Nesaquake Middle School who left his classes in April 2023 to battle cancer, surprised students by making an appearance at the school’s “Moving Up Day” (a day to celebrate eighth graders ‘moving up’ to high school) – only to be surprised himself. Students Gracyn Catalanotto and Morgan DeBello, who had previously had Iurka as their seventh-grade teacher, came up with an idea to raise money f…