In moments of crisis we are presented with opportunities to triumph. The past few weeks have presented the Plainview-Old Bethpage community with enormous challenges and we are here to celebrate the fact that we have met the obstacles and emerged stronger for it. Without electricity some of our young people received the gift of conversations with their families, the old fashioned way, as the power on the cell phones faded. Staff who themselves were flooded and without power, braved through the long gas lines to be here for the children. The meaning of Community was revealed in the various acts of kindness demonstrated neighbor to neighbor as we all shared a common problem and sought solutions together. The Plainview-Old Bethpage community is resilient and vibrant with a great deal to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season.

The attendance at the Community Forum this past Monday was heartwarming. Over 350 residents took the time to complete the survey online and those in attendance were able to use the results to foster great conversations. The data revealed how valued POB schools are to this community and also gave us some areas for growth. The Board of Education listened intently to your comments and will incorporate some of the issues raised into their work plans for the year.

The survey results are posted on line and after the Thanksgiving break, the discussion summaries will be posted. If you are in the field of Technology, you may still sign up for the Technology Visioning Committee by contacting my office. 937-6301.

When I sit at my Thanksgiving table this year I will reflect on the gift I have of joining

this wonderful community that has made the educating of children a top priority. This is a gift that will keep on giving through the generations.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving time together with family and friends.

Sincerely

Lorna R. Lewis

Dr. Lorna R. Lewis

This year we have selected four priority areas to help us focus our work in making the Plainview-Old Bethpage CSD a premier district on Long Island.

Priority 1: High Academic Standards
All students will have access to a challenging and rigorous instructional program that is aligned to Common Core Standards and embeds 21^st century skill demands.

Priority 2: Safe School Climate

The district will support and sustain a safe, nurturing, respectful environment where staff and students are supported to bring out the best in each other.

Priority 3: Fiscal Prudence
The district will provide an educationally sound and fiscally responsible budget that supports students in achieving the mission of the district and is reflective of the community’s support for our schools.

Priority 4: Community Involvement
The district will engage the community in meaningful ways so as to foster support of district programs and services.      

We take seriously our responsibility for creating pathways for learning so that we can bring out the unique gifts in each student. What we do in our classrooms matter and efforts to test us away from leaving memorable, magical moments with our children, will not deter us from nurturing curious minds and engaged learners. Developing students who are engaged in our classrooms, stages, athletic fields, as well as in our community, reaffirms the extent to which we have been successful in achieving our mission. It is after all what binds us together as a school community. 

Our current economic climate poses a challenge for all of us to work together to sustain the level of achievement and progress in our schools.  With increasing state mandates, unaccompanied by the requisite resources, a greater financial burden has been shifted to communities.   We will respond by using our resources wisely and building the capacity of our staff to withstand the even greater demands of the future. I will also count on members of the community to serve on advisory committees, lending your talents to moving us forward.

Please use our website to remain updated on the events in our schools. We welcome the community at all of our student performances and athletic events. You may contact the district office at 516-937-6301 or e-mail me at llewis@pobschools.org.    I welcome your suggestions as to how the district can better serve your needs. 

We are eager, anxious and ready to make this year their best ever!!!