Huntington School Briefs
Jefferson Primary School recently celebrated National Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss' birthday by picking up as many books as possible and reading. "During that day I encouraged every adult to read to a child or class," Jefferson Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide said.
Full-Day K Costs
The cost of returning to a full-day kindergarten program in the Huntington School District is estimated at $884,006, according to Superintendent James W. Polansky. The salaries and benefits of rehiring eight teachers from the district's preferred eligibility list would run $969,901. There would be a savings of $85,855 in the area of bus transportation since midday bus runs would not be needed.
Big Friday Night at Washington
A big crowd turned out last Friday evening for Washington Primary School's Family Fun Night. Events included a book fair, movie and presentation for parents on Raising Resilient Children by school psychologist Dr. Kathleen Mallen-Ozimkowski.
Students sipped on refreshments and munched on popcorn as the watched the film. While the movie was playing, parents attended the presentation. Dr. Mallen-Ozimkowski discussed how to boost a child's self-esteem, happiness and resiliency to life's challenges. She debunked many of the misguided theories about self-esteem and described steps that parents can take to help their child deal more effectively with the stress and pressures facing them today.
District Reaps Reimbursement and Savings
The Huntington School District has been notified by Integra Services, its E-rate servicing consultant, that an appeal the district filed for reimbursement of E-rate monies has been accepted. The district will receive a reimbursement amounting to $50,400.67 from Broadview Networks Holdings, Inc.
"The reimbursement represents telecommunication and electronic services used by the district that are reimbursable under federal guidelines," said Sam Gergis, Huntington's assistant superintendent for business. "A continued review and appeals process led to the decision for this reimbursed amount."
The district is also getting a credit in the amount of $6,231 for erroneous and non-applicable charges on its telephone bills. The district's telephone consultant analyzed recent statements for mistakes. Not only will the district reap the large credit, but it will receive a permanent billing reduction of $166 per month.
"Broadview Networks, Inc. posted the credits to the district's account and going forward we will continue to monitor our phone activity to recognize any potential savings," Mr. Gergis said.
The Sound of Music
The hills will come alive with The Sound of Music at Huntington High School on Friday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Rehearsals have begun and the Huntington drama club and stage crew is planning a sensational production.
Tickets will be available at the door for $10. Seniors, staff members and students will an ID card can purchase tickets for $5. Call (631) 673-2106 for more information.
Administrative Vacancy
The Huntington School District is advertising to fill the position of director of fine and performing arts, effective July 1. Joan R. Fretz is retiring at the end of the school year after a long career in the district. The director supervises and evaluates art and music department teachers, K-12.
To apply go to www.olasjobs.org.
Pension Costs Growing
The Huntington School District's pension costs are budgeted to grow from $8.215 million in the current school year to $10,535,251 in 2013/14, an increase of $2,420,251 or 28.24 percent.
The Teachers Retirement System, which covers all certificated employees, has informed districts across the state to plan for a 2013/14 contribution rate of 16.25 percent of payroll. The Employees Retirement System, which includes all Civil Service employees, has set its contribution rate at 20.90 percent of payroll.