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Friday, January 31, 2025
Vol. 85, No. 5
SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVITTOWN
POB student is named Regeneron Scholar
Literacy program focus of Board meeting The Bethpage Union Free School District Board of Education meeting on Jan. 21 at Central Boulevard Elementary School featured a special presentation titled “Spotlight on Literacy,” highlighting the district’s robust elementary reading program. Ms. Valerie Filbry, director of literacy & English language arts, and Ms. Dominique Siebert, principal of Central Boulevard Elementary School, led the presentation. Ms. Filbry and Ms. Siebert explained that the district’s K–5 literacy program is designed to cultivate lifelong reading, writing, communication and critical think-
ing skills in students. The comprehensive program focuses on developing key areas such as oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. A standout feature of the program is its integration of literacy with other disciplines, including science, social studies, the arts, and social-emotional learning (SEL). Students also engage in literary analysis, tying their reading experiences to broader themes and academic subjects. To support this interdisciplinary approach, classrooms incorporate programs such See page 15
Principal Dr. Heather Dvorak (from left), Research Lab Facilitator Ms. Rohe Sheikh, Chloe Lee, and Lead Research Coordinator Raymond Tesar. Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School has announced that (POBJFKHS) senior Chloe Lee has been recognized as a 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar. This prestigious honor is awarded to only 300 students out of nearly 2,500 entrants representing 795 high schools across
48 states, American Samoa, Guam, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and 14 other countries. Chloe earned this recognition based on her exceptional research, leadership, community involvement, academic achievements, creativity in posing scientific questions, and her potential
as a future leader in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Her submission included original independent research, essays, and recommendations. Chloe’s research project, “Exploring the Effects of Cannabidiol–Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil on Locomotion See page 15
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Following the literacy presentation, fifth and sixth graders from Central Boulevard Elementary School hosted an exhibit of literacy tools and projects in the back of the auditorium. Board members and attendees had the opportunity to explore various displays and learn more about the district’s elementary reading program.
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