______________ VALLEY STREAM _____________
HERALD Arts, academics and achievement
Inspiring young readers
Supporting youth and community
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VOL. 36 NO. 28
JULY 10 - 16, 2025
$1.00
DiMaio named to new position in H.S. District tion of key innovations in social-emotional learning and culturally responsive-sustainThe Valley Stream Central ing education. She has been a H i g h S ch o o l D i s t r i c t h a s true partner and driving force appointed Jennifer DiMaio as in our District.” The Deputy Superintendent its first-ever deputy superintendent. This newly established p o s i t i o n w a s c r e a t e d t o enhance the district’s ability to leadership position manage and supports the disexpand educational trict’s g rowing opportunities instructional and across all schools. programmatic DiMaio will supneeds. por t cur riculum With over two development, coldecades of experilaborate with ence in the district, school leaders, and i n c l u d i n g a s a JENNIFER DiMAIO help oversee disteacher, adminis- Deputy trict initiatives in trator, and former Superintendent, areas such as culs t u d e n t , D i M a i o VSCHSD turally responsive b r i n g s a s t ro n g education, restorcombination of professional expertise and per- ative practices, and professionsonal connection to her new al learning. She will also play a central role in the continued role. “She has proven herself not growth of special education only as a steadfast leader and services, Advanced Placement e s s e n t i a l m e m b e r o f o u r offerings and career and techadministrative team, but also nical education programs. DiMaio is a lifelong Valley as an expert in curricular sysStream resident and a graduate t e m s, ” S u p e r i n t e n d e n t o f Schools for VSCHSD Wayne of Central High School. She Loper said. “Working closely at t e n d e d W h e e l e r Ave nu e with principals and depart- School and Memorial Junior ment chairs, she has kept us at High School and credits the the cutting edge of education educators she encountered while overseeing the introducContinued on page 2
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO
azingariello@liherald.com
Skye Margies/Herald
A festive Fourth in the village The Valley Stream Fireworks Celebration took place on July 5, at Firemen’s Memorial Field. The event featured a live concert, a DJ, children’s activities, food trucks and more. Story, more photos, Page 3.
Community orchestra returns for July summer concert series By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
The Valley Stream Central High School District Community Orchestra is returning for its annual summer concert series, continuing a local tradition that dates back nearly 60 years. The orchestra, composed primarily of student musicians from the district, along with alumni and educators, will perform at the Valley Stream Village Green Bandshell on three consecutive Thursday nights, July 17, 24 and 31. The concerts begin at 8 p.m. and are free. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or other seating. All performances are weather permitting.
This summer’s ensemble is under the direction of Rafael Yeni, a 2017 graduate of Valley Stream South High. Yeni, a longtime performer in the orchestra as a student and later a manager and librarian, began leading the group last year. Now in his second year as conductor, he continues to build on the orchestra’s legacy of accessible and collaborative music-making. “I feel that giving back to the community that had so much support for the arts and music, which in turn was supporting my own growth and development while I was in school, is such a rewarding experience,” Yenni said “When I first ran it last year, naturally I was nervous, but Continued on page 7
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t was a beautiful fullcircle moment.