Washington Primary School Principal Michelle Richards took delight in announcing the names of a very special group of young people. It was a time to celebrate a group of children who are working hard and doing a very good job during often challenging circumstances.
The learning process might seem dry and boring to some, but it actually consists of a series of fun steps that are entirely enjoyable for youngsters as they go about gaining knowledge and understanding along with the behaviors, skills, values, attitudes and preferences associated with that new information.
There’s always a buzz around Washington Primary School. Principal Michelle Richards likes it that way. The third year building leader wants students to be enthusiastic and excited and she has 350 of them spread across grades kindergarten through third grade.
Washington Primary School is determined to make its way through the COVID-19 pandemic without allowing its parent connections to falter.
The new school year is off to a “wonderful” start at Washington Primary School where students have quickly adapted to a multitude of changes necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Washington Primary School is set to welcome students back into the building for the beginning of the 2020/21 school year on Wednesday, September 9.
Principal Michelle Richards had developed plans to celebrate Washington Primary School’s 65th anniversary with a series of fun events, but the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing shutdown put a hold on those ideas. But some belated fun is in store once the health crisis passes.
Since Washington Elementary School's doors first swung open in 1954, thousands of students have received an excellent academic education within its confines. The same tradition continues today for more than 350 youngsters enrolled in grades K-3.
Washington boasts a highly educated professional teaching staff, each with outstanding strengths, and a caring and knowledgeable group of aides, secretaries and support personnel. Faculty members participate in regular professional development activities to stay abreast of innovations in curriculum and classroom education.
Every student receives a comprehensive education, including an intensive program to develop strong reading, writing and arithmetic skills. Children also have regularly scheduled music, art, physical education and library classes.
Students receive instruction in the use of the computer as a teaching and learning tool. Each classroom, as well as the library, is equipped with computer stations. Children learn basic computer literacy and important skills concerning how to use computers to conduct research and organize a report.
Classroom teachers spend hours planning exciting lessons and special events to help make learning fun. Visits to local farms, scientific institutions, art galleries and historical sites provide an opportunity to hear from experts across a wide range of fields and backgrounds.
Washington's Parent Teacher Association is very active in the school and works closely with the principal and teachers to supplement and enhance the education offered to students at every grade level.
There is a place for every child at Washington regardless of their current level of academic achievement or knowledge. A complete range of educational services and a highly competent team of teachers help assure the academic and social development of each child.
The building is maintained in excellent condition and is kept spotless throughout the day. Faculty and staff strive to provide a safe and secure environment for each child, each day. Parents of Washington's students can rest assured their children are receiving the very finest education possible.
Dr. Michelle J. Richards has been principal of Washington Primary School since July 1, 2018.
Dr. Richards obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology at SUNY Albany and a Master of Science degree in childhood education at City University of New York-Lehman College. She earned a Doctor of Education degree in educational administration and supervision at St. John’s University. She studied for her state administrative certification at CUNY-Queens College.
At the time of her appointment in Huntington, Dr. Richards was an assistant principal in the Elmont School District since 2013 and an administrator there since 2009.
Dr. Richards began her career as a general education teacher in New York City. She worked at Public School 107x (2001-03) and Lewis H. Latimer School-PS 56K (2003-06). She later taught in Elmont at Gotham Avenue School from 2006-09.
In 2009, Dr. Richards moved into Elmont’s administrative ranks after being named assistant to the principal. She was the principal of Elmont’s summer enrichment program in 2009 and 2010. She also served as a district professional development facilitator, curriculum map developer for English Language Arts and as a district testing leader, creating the scoring schedule, selecting and training district scorers, facilitating the scoring process and ensuring testing documents are securely maintained.
Dr. Richards maintains memberships in the International Literacy Association, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Last Name | First | Position | |
Richards | Michelle | Principal | mrichards |
Alfano | Peristera | Special Ed. | palfano |
Balducci | Tina | Special Education | tbalducci |
Catrini | Suzanne | Teacher | scatrini |
Connors | Margaret | Speech | connorsm |
Creighton | Victoria | Teacher | vcreighton |
Cuthbertson | Leticia | Math | lcuthbertson |
Dicker | Jeffrey | Reading | jdicker |
DiGregorio | Eileen | Attendance Secretary | edigregorio |
Dinehart | Suzanne | Teacher | sdinehart |
Engle | Miriam | Teacher | mengle |
Garris-Shade | Julissa | Psychologist | jgarris-shade |
Giani | Lou | PE | lgiani |
Goldberg | Leah | ENL | lgoldberg |
Grever | Mary | Teacher | mmgrever |
Hernandez | Mayda | Cafe | mhernandez |
Hoops | James | Physical Education | jhoops |
Joseph | Vivian | Dual Language | vjoseph |
Kalkau | Katie | Teacher | kkalkau |
Kohan | Linda | Social Worker | lkohan |
LeGodais | Jaclyn | Teacher | jlegodais |
Lennon | Nicole | Reading | nlennon |
Lodato | Eva Marie | Secretary | elodato |
Lofaro | Chris | Math Education | lofaroc |
Martino | Christina | Psychologist | cmartino |
Mazzalonga | Melissa | Teacher | mmazzalonga |
Mazzola | Maria | Art | mmazzola |
Meagher | Lauren | Nurse | lmeagher |
Meyers | Emily | Teacher | emeyers |
Mininni | Eric | Physical Education | emininni |
Monte | Nicole | Teacher | nmonte |
Paterakis | Shari | ENL | spaterakis |
Ramos | Sandy | Speech | sramos |
Robinette | Marybeth | Elem. Math Coordinator | mrobinette |
Soskil | Lauren | Teacher | lsoskil |
Studdert | Melissa | Special Education | mstuddert |
Thatcher | Kristen | Teacher | kthatcher |
Tures | Joanne | Teacher | turesj |
Ulloa | Vanessa | Teacher | vulloa |
Winberry | Kerry | Teacher | kwinberry |
Established: 1954
Grades: K-3
Mascot: Wolverines
Principal: Dr. Michelle Richards
1-631-673-2090 Main Office
1-631-673-2143 Attendance
1-631-673-2143 Nurse
1-631-425-6259 FAX
School Hours: 9:20 a.m. - 3:40 p.m.