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AMITYvIlle _____________
HERALD ReCORD
Also serving Amityville, North Amityville, Amity Harbor, Copiague, and East Massapequa
Kenrick Thomas named VP
How are you getting ready for school?
Your weekly calendar of events
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VOL. 75 NO. 36
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2025
$1.00
Cell phone ban set for schools By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Carolyn James/Herald Photos
Rotarians Virginia Belling and Kathleen Thorn with Rotary President Carolyn Dodd hold up winning ducks.
Ducks, dollars and big smiles highlight Amityville Rotary’s annual Duck Race By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Supporters flocked to the Amityville Village Beach on Saturday, Aug. 2, for the third annual Duck Race, where a large crowd cheered on hundreds of rubber ducks as they bobbed, weaved and wobbled toward the finish line. Hosted by the Amityville Rotary Club, the event raised funds for local charities and stirred up the en-thusiasm of attendees with its lighthearted fun — despite stronger-thanusual winds that sent the ducky contenders tossing and turning in the waves. “This event gets more popular every year,” said Rotarian Virginia Belling, one of many volunteers on hand. “We sold 492 ducks — more than last year!” In addition to duck sales, the Rotary offered “Grand Mallard” and “Quacker” sponsorships, which helped boost fundraising efforts and community participation.
The top duck to cross the finish line was entered by Michelle Camileri, owner of Southside Florist in Amityville, who waddled away with a $1,000 prize. “She is a big supporter of Rotary and all of our events — and of the community in general — so we were thrilled to see her win,” Belling said. Second-place went to Xavi Nazar, who took home $500, and third-place winner Frank Beggings won $200. Proceeds from the race benefit several local charities, including the St. Martin’s Food Pantry; Rebuild-ing Together Long Island, which helps seniors remain in their homes; and Mondays at Racine, which offers beauty and wellness services to individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Carolyn Dodd, who co-chaired the event with Connie Rossman, said the beach setting adds to the race’s charm — even if the ducks have to paddle against the tide. “The event is definitely susceptible to strong CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Beginning this school year, all public and charter schools in New York — including 129 on Long Island — will be required to enforce an in-school ban on student use of cell phones. A new state law aimed at reducing distractions in schools, called the “Distraction-Free Schools” law, mandates a “bellto-bell” restriction on internetenabled devices throughout the school day, including noninstructional times such as lunch, recess and study halls. School districts were required to submit their compliance plans by Aug. 1, which had to outline enforcement procedures, device storage methods, allowable exemptions and systems for parent communication. To support implementation, the state has allocated $13.5 million — about $10 per student — to help schools purchase secure storage solutions such as locking pouches or lockers, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul. “From parents and teachers to social justice and law enforcement leaders, New Yorkers agree that our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing — not clicking and scrolling,” Hochul said in January when announcing the proposal. “This comprehensive plan
ensures that New York’s standard for distraction-free learning delivers the best results for our kids and educators.” More than 60% of New York voters support “bell-to-bell” smartphone restrictions in K-12 schools, according to an April poll by Siena College. A 2024 Pew Research Center report found that nearly three-quarters of high school teachers and onethird of middle school teachers nationwide consider phone use to be a major classroom distraction. The New York State United Teachers union has been a strong advocate for the ban. Natalie McKay, a NYSUT board director, said full-day restrictions are more effective than limiting phones only during class time. “Right now, we are saying it’s a priority for us to protect the mental health of our students for seven hours a day,” NYSUT President Melinda Person said when the legislation passed earlier this year. “During that time, they’re going to be distractionfree — not exposed to gaming, social media, or other things that take them away from the reason they’re at school, which is to learn.” While the law sets a statewide standard, local districts have flexibility in how they enforce it. Some are opting for cultural CONTINUED ON PAGE 2