______________ VALLEY STREAM _____________
HERALD Cell phone ban will be enforced
Aiming to keep the skies safe
Clavin resigns as town supervisor
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VOL. 36 NO. 32
AUGUST 7 - 13, 2025
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Students join school board as new advisers “I’ve realized that there are, there are parents and students alike who really care a lot A n e w e r a o f s t u d e n t about both statewide policies, engagement has begun in Val- such as the New York phone ley Stream schools as the Cen- ban that’s coming to fruition, tral High School District offi- and also simply school-wide cially introduces ex officio stu- policies like attendance or dent board members to its detention,” Zafar said. “I really, truly want to just be Board of Education. able to give the stuThe new state dents a voice.” mandate is designed As ex officio to give students a members, the stuformal platform dents do not have within the educavoting rights, but tion system’s local they are expected to decision-making play an active role bodies. It reflects a in board discusgrowing recognition sions. Their involveof students and ment centers on stakeholders in pub- SARA ZAfAR bringing forward lic education and Ex Officio students input on aims to ensure their Board Member curriculum deci perspectives are sions, school cliincorporated into mate, extracurricular programshaping policy and practices. The Valley Stream Central ming, and school-wide policy High School District appointed matters. In doing so, they are three student representatives, helping bridge the gap between one from each of its high board members and the student schools. Senior Jaskeerat Kaur, body. All three were selected based 16, of Central High School; senior Sara Zafar, 17, of South on their extensive leadership High School; and senior Abi- experience and school-wide gail Mathew, 17, of North High involvement. Zafar brings a long list of School. They will serve as the district’s inaugural student leadership roles to the table. board members for the 2025–26 She serves as secretary of the academic year. Continued on page 7
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO
azingariello@liherald.com
Alice Moreno/Herald photos
Responding to the civic group block party Finian Dcunha, left, Lauren Dcunha, Ian Burke, and Danny Guaman of the Valley Stream Fire Department Rescue, gave CPR demonstrations to guests. The Millbrook Civic Association hosted its annual neighborhood block party on Eastwood Lane, filling the day with music, food and family activities. Residents of all ages came together to celebrate community spirit and enjoy a summer afternoon with neighbors. From games to good conversation, it was a day that reflected the strong ties of the Mill Brook neighborhood. Photos, story page 3.
I
really, truly want to just be able to give the students a voice.