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New director will support school changes standardized tests in English, math, science and social studies. The framework, coined the The East Rockaway Union Free School District has creat- “Portrait of a Graduate,” coned a new administrative posi- sists of six themes that embody tion aimed at supporting Eng- a diploma-ready student, includlish and social studies teachers ing academic preparedness, and streamlining curriculum creative innovation, critical for grades K-12. thought, effective communicaThe district tion, global knowlhired Kristen edge and reflection Anisis, a Long about the future. Beach resident and While the state’s a Va l l e y S t re a m education officials native, as the direcare still determintor of humanities. ing how to quantify Anisis has worked these abstract prinin education since c i p l e s, t h e E a s t 2007, teaching secRockaway district ondary English in hopes to be proacFreeport and Seative by enlisting ford schools, then administrative transitioning into a recruits like Anisis, role as an assistant Assistant Superinprincipal in the tendent Sean MurPor t Washington KRISTEN ANISIS ray said. Director of humanities school district. “We know liter“Having been a ate students who teacher really helps me connect are civic-ready are going to be with teachers, and to under- especially important with new stand what their strife is, and standards,” Murray said. what their struggles are,” In the past, teachers who Anisis said. served as chairs supported felI n Ju l y, t h e B o a r d o f low teachers and discussed Regents, under the New York ideas with district members. State Education Department, H oweve r, M u r r ay s a i d , i t modified its requirements for became difficult for those rephigh school graduation after its resentatives to split responsidecision to no longer require ConTinued on pAge 8
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ
amartinez@liherald.com
Glen Cove
Courtesy Sean Strohofer
Lynbrook High School senior Aliye Simsek headed down the field during a varsity flag football game. Simsek, recently named a Top 15 finalist in the national Youth Athlete of the Year competition, has led her team with poise and precision.
Student quarterback is a standout Aliye Simsek named Top 15 finalist in national contest By GIANNA LoNGo Intern
Aliye Simsek, an incoming senior at Lynbrook High School, has displayed poise and precision in leading her flag football team on the gridiron, placing her in the Top 15 in the national 2025 Youth Athlete of the Year competition, which recognizes excellence on and off the field. The 17-year-old quarterback will now continue onto the next phase of the competition, in which she’ll be vying for a Top 10 spot. If Simsek earns the title as the Youth Athlete of the Year, she will be featured in a 3BRAND ad in Sports Illustrated and take home a top prize of $25,000. Glen Cove
The contest’s sponsor, Colossal, is searching for an “exceptional competitor who is committed to performing their best, uplifting their team, and challenging their opponents.” The athletes approved for the competition advance through tiered stages of voting within their age group. The competition began with roughly 50 7- to 17-year-olds who submitted profiles, and then were approved to participate in the competition. Each week, through public voting, the numbers have been decreasing from 20 to 15, to now identifying the Top 10. Athletes have a profile with a photo of themselves playing, their name and three ConTinued on pAge 10 AUGUST 14, 2025
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t wasn’t so much about elevating the position as it was about finding the right fit with likeminded people.