Elmont honors veterans and celebrates student success at November board meeting

A spirit of gratitude and celebration filled the gymnasium at Covert Avenue School on Nov. 10, as members of the Elmont community gathered for the board of education meeting honoring local veterans from American Legion Post 1033 and recognizing the accomplishments of multilingual learners.

The evening began with a patriotic performance by the Covert Avenue sixth grade chorus, who sang a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Covert Avenue Principal Cynthia Qasim welcomed attendees and offered words of appreciation to the veterans in attendance. “This time of year, we take a moment to reflect on the many things we are thankful for: our families, our accomplishments, our community and the freedoms we enjoy each day. These freedoms are possible because of the brave men and women who have dedicated themselves to serving our country.” 

The tribute continued with a moving performance of “America the Beautiful” by the chorus. To express the school community’s gratitude, Ms. Qasim presented the veterans with a special keepsake: a handmade American flag created using the fingerprints of every Covert Avenue student.

“Thank you for all you’ve done for our nation,” Superintendent Marlon C. Small said. “We are reminded each and every day that although we live in a free nation, that freedom is not free and that freedom is paid for by your service and by your sacrifice to our country.” 

Following the honoring of the veterans, the meeting highlighted the achievements of 97 multilingual scholars from across the district who earned a Commanding score on the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test. Coordinator of English as a New Language Pilar Erdmann commended the students for reaching this significant milestone, which reflects a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in English. One by one, scholars from each school were invited to the front of the gymnasium to be recognized for their dedication and hard work. As family members, staff and community members applauded, each student received a Certificate of Recognition in celebration of their outstanding accomplishment.

 

Photo captions:

1. Covert Avenue School’s sixth grade chorus performed at the Elmont Board of Education meeting on Nov. 10. 
2. Members of the American Legion Post 1033 are pictured with the Board of Education, Superintendent Marlon C. Small, Covert Avenue School Principal Cynthia Qasim and two sixth grade students at the Board of Education meeting on Nov. 10.
3. Alden Terrace School’s honored students are pictured with the building’s ENL staff and Principal Sonia Rodrigo at the board of education meeting on Nov. 10.
4. Clara H. Carlson School’s honored students are pictured Principal Shawnee Warfield, Assistant Principal Samantha Magaraci and the building’s ENL staff at the board of education meeting on Nov. 10.
5. Covert Avenue School’s honored students are pictured with Principal Cynthia Qasim, Assistant Principal Alison Gunn, Assistant Principal Jessica Trione and the building’s ENL staff at the board of education meeting on Nov. 10.
6. Dutch Broadway School’s honored students are pictured Principal Nicholas Singh and the building’s ENL staff at the board of education meeting on Nov. 10.
7. Gotham Avenue School’s honored students are pictured with Principal William Mingo, Assistant Principal Kimberly Farina, Assistant Principal and Coordinator of English as a New Language Pilar Erdmann and the building’s ENL staff at the board of education meeting on Nov. 10.
8. Stewart Manor School’s honored students are pictured with Principal Robert Cavaliere and the building’s ENL staff on Nov. 10. 

 

Photos courtesy of the Elmont Union Free School District 

 

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