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Curriculums are the focus at BOE meeting She credited the model for boosting student confidence and independence, and for The Seaford Board of Educa- enabling proactive emotional tion received a comprehensive and behavioral support. Math and literacy instruco ve r v i e w o f c u r r i c u l u m , instruction and student devel- tion remain central focuses in opment at all four district elementary classes, and Harbor schools at its meeting on Jan. and Manor use the Illustrative 14, as administrators shared Mathematics program, which their goals, achievements and focuses on conceptual underre m a i n i n g ch a l standing and problenges for the curlem-solving rather rent school year. than just memoriEach school prezation. “We want sented how it fosstudents to know ters Seaford Scholthe ‘why’ behind ars, emphasizing the math, not just resilience, reflech ow t o g e t t h e tion, innovation answer,” Kr udis and principle as said. part of a districtIn reading, stuwide student pro- AdElE PEcoRA dents in kindergarfile. ten through second Superintendent, Elementary Seaford School District grade practice phohighlights includnemic awareness ed launching fullwith the Heggerty time Integrated Co-Teaching at systems and phonics through Harbor and Manor elementary Fundations. In grades three schools, placing two teachers in through five, the focus shifts to classrooms to better support building vocabulary and readstudents with disabilities and ing comprehension with texts provide differentiated instruc- from science, social studies and tion. other subjects. “It reinforces our commitT he elementary schools ment to inclusive, high-quality expanded STEAM and coding. instruction for all,” Manor Students now have biweekly Principal Joann Krudis said.
By lUKE FEENEY
lfeeney@liherald.com
T
Courtesy Zackary Browning/Endurance Sports Photography Long Island
Laura Metzdorff-Rivera, an acupuncturist with a practice based in Wantagh, is the new president of the Seaford Wellness Council, a volunteer-run nonprofit.
Seaford Wellness Council welcomes new leadership team
By lUKE FEENEY
lfeeney@liherald.com
A new chapter is underway at the Seaford Wellness Council, as two community-minded residents—Laura Metzdorff-Rivera and Hal Udell—step into the organization’s top leadership roles, focusing on collaboration, inclusion, and hands-on impact. Metzdorff-Rivera, a practicing acupuncturist at her Aligned Wellness Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, in Wantagh, and a PTA board member at Seaford Harbor Elementary School, is now the president of the nonprofit group. Udell, a culinary entrepreneur who runs “Cooking with Hal,” has taken over as vice president. The Seaford Wellness Council, a volun-
teer-run organization of teachers, parents, business owners, and civic leaders, promotes positive change through community programs and events. One of its most visible efforts is the annual Hot Chocolate 5K Run/ Walk each December, which begins and ends in front of Seaford High School. Metzdorff-Rivera said she found her way to the council in 2021 after returning to Seaford with her family following nearly 15 years in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she co-founded Earth & Air Wellness Acupuncture and Alternative Medicine. “I was born and raised here,” she said. “I wanted to raise my family closer to their grandparents. And I really missed it here. It’s small, but there’s a lot going on, and Continued on page 7
hese presentations show what we can accomplish together.
Continued on page 9