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Vol. 84, No. 33
Friday, August 16, 2024
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Syosset teacher honored by BOCES
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Allison de Onis (center), World Language teacher, congratulated on being named a NASTECH NASTAR by (from left) Christine Payne and Colleen Vereline. Photo courtesy BOCES/Adrienne Daley Photography
Allison de Onis, World Language teacher at South Woods Middle School in the Syosset CSD, was honored by Nassau BOCES and the Nassau Association of School Technologists (NASTECH) for her exceptional contributions to the advancement of technology in our schools. Ms. De Onis was named a Nassau Association of School Technologists Award Recipient (NASTAR) at the sixth annual ceremony this past June. As a founding member of the Syosset UFSD’s technology workgroup, Ms. De Onis has been instrumental in piloting and implementing districtwide technology initiatives. As a tech coach, she guided her colleagues in the effective use of educational technology to improve instruction. In her current role as middle school mentor teach-
er coordinator, she focuses on pedagogy and technology. Ms. De Onis is a district leader in the use of edtech tools to innovate and redefine instructional goals, while creating an engaging learning environment. In her World Language classroom, she fosters collaboration, innovation and personalized learning, using tech tools such as Google Slides, Pear Deck, Canva and Bitmoji. She has also created multimedia assessments to support her students' academic growth. The NASTAR awards were created by the Nassau BOCES NASTECH Service to recognize exceptional educators for their innovation, leadership and support of technology initiatives in their school districts. Each recipient is selected by their district based on this criterion.
State senator, libraries collect books for Book Fairies New York State Senator Steve Rhoads recently achieved a remarkable milestone in his mission to take an active role in promoting literacy and education on Long Island by collecting an impressive 5,582 books during a week-long book drive across various libraries in his Senate District. This initiative was executed in collaboration with Book Fairies, a dedicated organization committed to redistributing books to under-resourced commu-
nities. Recognizing the importance of access to reading materials, Senator Rhoads aimed to not only enhance childhood education but also foster a lifelong love of learning among children, particularly those who may not have the means to obtain books on their own. The resounding success of this book drive was made possible through the generous contributions of local residents, as well as the enthusiastic participation of sever-
al community libraries, including the Farmingdale Public Library, Hicksville Public Library, Island Trees Public Library, Levittown Public Library, and Seaford Public Library. Each location served as a hub for donations, collecting a diverse array of titles, from charming baby books to engaging chapter books. In the coming weeks, Book Fairies will distribute these collected materials to families and children in need.
The Jericho Syosset News Journal is published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Periodical Postage paid at Hicksville, N.Y. 11801Telephone 931-0012 - USPS 3467-68 Postmaster: Send Address Change to: The Syosset Jericho News Journal, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208, Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris Publisher
New York State Senator Steve Rhoads and staff members with the 5,582 books collected for the Book Fairies.
New communication boards in parks PAGE 4 Drives collect supplies for students PAGE 8