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PROFILES IN AN ANTON MEDIA GROUP SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT • APRIL 2127, 2021

Socially Distanced Classroom PLUS Upcoming SAT Test CDC’s Classroom Guidelines Letter To Parents

Teachers at Shelter Rock Elementary School in Manhasset delivered a lesson celebrating prominent figures in Black History. Students showed their knowledge during an interactive Kahoot game.

E A S T E R N C O N N E C T I C U T S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

Special Tuition Rate for New York Students!

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APRIL 21 - 27, 2021 • PROFILES IN EDUCATION

Dear friend, Since 1876, Friends Academy has provided an exceptional values-based educational experience as a Quaker school. This year, in the midst of the challenges of the pandemic, we continued to set the standard in excellence. We stayed true to the pillars of a Friends Academy education: • An outstanding faculty who are nimble, innovative, and always dedicated to our students • Timeless Quaker values that create an unmatched academic program • Small class sizes where every student’s voice is heard and valued • A renowned College Counseling process that helps our seniors illuminate their purpose and matriculate to the finest colleges in the country • A school community that is more dedicated and stronger than ever • A stunning 65-acre campus that provides a serene and stimulating backdrop In facing this year’s challenges, we built upon our strong foundation with: • High-standard COVID safety protocols, including proactive daily screenings • Regular surveillance testing of every student and teacher on our campus • A full-time COVID nurse, who serves as an in-house contact tracer • Transformational addition of modular classrooms that allowed for full-day, in-person learning 5 days a week for all grades, Age 3-Grade 12 • A variety of socially distant after-school activities in Athletics and the Arts • The opportunity for all athletes to train safely throughout the entire year This fall, we are excited to introduce these groundbreaking initiatives, including: • A curated, one-of-a-kind Forest School-inspired program that will teach environmental and ecological science skills on our expansive campus • In partnership with the renowned Korda Institute, a school-wide Entrepreneurial Studies program, following a successful two-year pilot in the high school • A state-of-the-art Turf Field, giving our athletes more competitive play and practice time We are proud of our distinction as the #1 K-12 Private School in Nassau County and express our deepest gratitude to our extraordinary faculty and staff, our talented and caring students, and our devoted families. There is no other community I would have rather weathered this storm with. Finally, I know that no matter what uncertainty lies ahead, Friends Academy will continue to set the standard for educational excellence on Long Island. To find out if Friends Academy is the best place for your child, please call our friendly and knowledgeable Admissions team at (516) 393-4244 or visit admissions.fa.org to set up a phone call, Zoom call, Virtual Tour, or any number of ways to find out more about our outstanding school. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,

Friends Academy #1 Ranked K-12 Private School and College Prep High School in Nassau County according to Niche.com

Head of School, Friends Academy 270 Duck Pond Rd | Locust Valley, NY 11560 | fa.org

We can’t wait to meet you!

RSVP for a Virtual Information Session and check out our 360-Degree Virtual Tour! Visit admissions.fa.org or call (516) 393-4244

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PROFILES IN EDUCATION • APRIL 21 - 27, 2021

State:

Updated Guidance For Graduation, Commencement Ceremonies

overnor Andrew Cuomo recently announced new updated guidance for graduation and commencement ceremonies organized by schools, colleges and universities. Effective May 1, indoor and outdoor graduation and commencement ceremonies will be allowed with limited attendee capacity, depending on the event size and the location (e.g., stadium, arena, arts and entertainment venue). All event organizers and venues hosting ceremonies must follow the state’s strict health and safety protocols, including requiring face masks, social distancing, health screenings and collection of contact tracing information. “We’re once again approaching the end of the academic year, which means we need strict rules in place to ensure commencement ceremonies are done safely in the context of the ongoing pandemic,” Cuomo said. “With more people getting vaccinated every day, we are so close to the light at the end of the tunnel, but we all need to continue being vigilant and I am urging everyone to celebrate smart.” For events that exceed the social gathering limits of 100 people indoors or 200 people outdoors, event organizers and venues must notify the local health department and require attendees to show proof of a recent negative test result or proof of completed immunization prior to entry. These requirements are consistent with the state’s guidance for other congregate commercial and social activities, including catered receptions, performing arts and sports competitions.

Outdoor Events:

Large-scale ceremonies of more than 500 people at outdoor venues will be limited to 20 percent of capacity, applicable to venues with a total capacity of 2,500 or more. Medium-scale ceremonies

be allowed to reopen at 20 percent capacity and smaller, regional sports venues that hold 1,500 people indoors or 2,500 people outdoors can also reopen, with an initial capacity limited to 10 percent indoors and 20 percent outdoors, since April 1. Event, arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33 percent capacity, up to 100 people indoors and up to 200 people outdoor, since April 2. Additionally, since March 15, wedding receptions and catered events could expand to larger scale events subject to following the Department of Health guidance. —Courtesy of the office of Governor Andrew Cuomo of 201-500 people at outdoor venues will be limited to 33 percent of capacity. Small-scale ceremonies of up to 200 people or two attendees per student at outdoor venues will be limited to 50 percent capacity. Proof of recent negative test result or proof of completed immunization is optional.

Indoor Events:

Large-scale ceremonies of more than 150 people at indoor venues will be limited to 10 percent capacity, applicable to venues with a total capacity of 1,500 or more. Medium-scale ceremonies of 101-150 people at indoor venues will be limited to 33 percent capacity. Small-scale ceremonies of up to 100 people or two attendees per student at indoor venues will be limited to 50 percent capacity. Proof of recent negative test result or proof of completed immunization is optional. This announcement builds on the governor’s recent measures to further reopen the economy amid a steady decline in New York’s COVID-19 positivity and hospitalization rates. Cuomo announced that professional sports in large outdoor stadiums that hold 10,000 people or more will

NYSUT: On Revised New York State COVID-19 Guidance For K-12 Schools New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta issued the following statement on revised Department of Health COVID-19 guidance for K-12 schools: “As educators, we know that the best place for our students to learn is in person in the classroom. What we’ve wanted from the very beginning of the school reopening process is for that to happen in the safest possible environment. “In adopting new physical distancing guidelines in line with CDC recommendations, the state is making it crystal clear that distancing is only one part of a layered mitigation strategy. These revised guidelines not only draw distinctions between when it’s appropriate to have three feet of distancing and when six feet of distancing is still necessary, they also mandate masks at all times and lay out specific ventilation recommendations while maintaining important provisions for cleaning, hygiene and contact tracing. What’s more,

the guidelines are clear that community transmission— with a majority of counties currently at high levels of transmission, per CDC metrics—is a critical factor in how physical distancing changes are implemented. And before districts make changes, school communities, including parents and educators, must be given an opportunity to provide input on updates to reopening plans. That has always been and must continue to be essential to reopening. “There also is more to be done to strengthen safety protocols. While the state recommends that districts ‘strongly consider’ implementing screening

testing, we believe there is zero excuse for all districts not to implement routine testing as soon as possible. The federal government is making hundreds of millions of dollars available to New York schools explicitly for this purpose. It’s long past time to get this done. “Ultimately, if changes to local reopening plans are made, it’s up to local departments of health to enforce state required guidelines. They must do so expeditiously and ensure no district is lax in sticking to a layered mitigation strategy.” —NYSUT is a union with more than 600,000 members in education, human services and health care.

APRIL 21 - 27, 2021 • PROFILES IN EDUCATION

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Miguel Cardona: Secretary Of Education

r. Miguel A. Cardona was sworn in as the 12th secretary of education on March 2. Cardona previously served as the commissioner of education in Connecticut, a position he held after being appointed by Governor Ned Lamont in August 2019. In this position, he faced the unprecedented challenge of responding to the pandemic and led the safe school reopening efforts in Connecticut. To do so, Cardona and his department provided school districts with the balance of guidance, local autonomy, and oversight needed to ensure equitable and meaningful educational opportunities for students while also prioritizing public health mitigation measures. Cardona and the State of Connecticut focused on equity by arranging for student access to technology to support remote learning, helping the state become the first in the nation to provide learning devices to fulfill the identified need for all students. Recognizing the increased importance of providing resources for the social-emotional health of students and staff, Cardona and his team collaborated with the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and other

stakeholders to provide free social and emotional learning courses. Cardona’s approach to leadership in Connecticut focused on partnerships: within his education department; between state agencies; and with local boards, educator unions, school administrator associations, child advocates, and most importantly, students and families. He attributes his success in Connecticut in part to the strong backing of those partners, as well as support from the members of the Connecticut State Board of Education and his staff at the Connecticut State Department of Education. Under Cardona’s oversight—despite the pandemic—Connecticut launched a statewide FAFSA Data Dashboard; procured a comprehensive statewide Special Education Data System (CT-SEDS); announced the state’s highest-ever extended graduation rates for students with disabilities and English learners; reached a new stipulated agreement in the landmark school integration case Sheff v. O’Neill, established the first national requirement for high schools provide courses on black and Latino studies; and initiated systemic improvement protocols that can reach every corner of the state. His focus on equity and

excellence for all learners has driven his work at all levels. Cardona has two decades of experience as a public school educator from the City of Meriden. He began his career as an elementary teacher. He then served as a school principal in Meriden in 2003 where he led a school with outstanding programming for three to five-year-olds, students that were bilingual and students with sensory exceptionalities. He proudly served in this role for 10 years. In 2012, Cardona won the 2012 National Distinguished Principal Award for the State of CT and the Outstanding Administrator Award from UCONN’s NEAG School of Education. Cardona then transitioned to lead the work of performance and evaluation in the district. He then assumed the role of assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, overseeing teaching, learning, and leadership alignment. A lifelong Meriden resident, Cardona attended Meriden Connecticut Public Schools and graduated from Wilcox Technical High School. He attended CCSU for his Bachelor’s degree and UCONN where he completed a Master’s in bilingual/bicultural education, administrator preparation program, Doctorate in education, and

Secretary Dr. Miguel Cardona executive leadership program (superintendent) certificate. Cardona is very active in his community, serving on several nonprofit charitable organization boards of directors. He has had several articles published in AASPA Perspective, National School Boards Association, District Administration and the Scholars Strategy Network. His greatest source of pride, however, is his family. Cardona and his wife Marissa are the proud parents of two children. —Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Education

Mill Neck CEO Is Distinguished Woman Of The Year The Nassau County Legislature recently honored Dr. Asiah Mason, CEO of Mill Neck Family of Organizations, as the Distinguished Women of the Year, highlighting her leadership and dedication to enriching the lives of others. This recognition, given under the Women’s History Month, celebrates outstanding women for their professional accomplishments, service to others and impact on the community. Legislator Joshua Lafazan emphasized the commitment and dedication of Mason as an example of service to the community. Mill Neck Family of Organizations is a woman led, nonprofit entity which seeks to empower deaf and hard of hearing children, adults and their families to achieve their dreams through education, training and employment programs. “This is a recognition for all Mill Neck Staff,” Mason said. “As a team we are changing lives for all God’s children, because every human being deserves access to equal rights and opportunities.” —Submitted by Mill Neck Family of Organizations

Dr. Asiah Mason

Garden Club Scholarship The North Country Garden Club of Long Island is sponsoring its Virginia W. Smith Scholarship for high school seniors who are interested in furthering their education on a college level in horticulture, environmental or conservation studies. One $2,500 award will be given to a Long Island student to be applied to their college tuition. Interview is required. Email Linda Gardiner at lshlsg@ gmail.com for more information or apply at ncgc.org.

PROFILES IN EDUCATION • APRIL 21 - 27, 2021

Tri-State Tuition Rate for New York and New Jersey Students! • Eastern Connecticut State University’s niversity’s Tri-State Rate allows New York and New Jersey students to attend Eastern for less than $30,000 a year in total costs • They are also eligible for scholarships • Eastern is New England’s #1 public regional university (U.S. News and World Report, 2021) • Connecticut’ss only public liberal arts college • Live on a beautiful residential campus • Be in the middle of the action! > 2.5 hours to New York > 2 hours to George Washington Bridge > 2 hours to Boston > 3 hours to Vermont

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APRIL 21 - 27, 2021 • PROFILES IN EDUCATION ADVERTORIAL

ADELPHI: PUTTING YOU ON THE PATH TO SUCCESS

HERE ARE SEVEN TOP REASONS STUDENTS CHOOSE ADELPHI: 1. Adelphi Is a U.S. News & World Report Best College. Adelphi is recognized nationally for our top-quality education. We earned five “bests” from U.S. News & World Report, ranked among the nation’s Best Colleges, Best Value Schools and Top Performers for Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education ranked us a Top U.S. College in its 2020 report, based on student success and learning. And Forbes magazine has once again named us one of America’s Top Colleges. 2. 94 Percent of Our Students Have Jobs or Are in Grad School Within Six Months of Graduation. Adelphi students are career-ready by the time they receive their diploma. We’re a Career Development College of Distinction, with a Prep for Success program that provides students with the knowledge, skills and internship experience employers are looking for. 3. Our Academic Programs Produce Highly Paid Graduates. College Factual says that 20 of our academic programs produce graduates who are in the top 10 percent of highest-paid professionals in their field. According to a recent survey, the average annual base salary for Adelphi bachelor’s degree graduates is 38 percent higher than the national average.

5. Small Classes Mean Personal Attention. Adelphi doesn’t have enormous lecture halls. With small classes—an average of 21 students per class and a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio— students learn from award-winning, dedicated professors who know them by name. It’s said that Adelphi is big enough to give you choices, small enough to feel like home. 6. Adelphi Is a Recognized Leader in Diversity. Adelphi is a two-time consecutive winner of the Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. We received both the 2018 and 2019 INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award in recognition of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Adelphi is considered an LGBTQ+-friendly campus and earned 4.5 stars out of 5 from the Campus Pride Index, showing our commitment to create a safer and more inclusive campus. Students of color, international students, neurodiverse students, those who are the first in their families to attend college, and many others will find a home here and have access to mentoring and support.

7. A Tight-Knit Community Just Outside New York City Our beautiful main campus in Garden City is just 23 miles—or less 4. More Than 88 Percent of Full-Time Undergraduate Students Receive than a one-hour train ride—from New York City and its cultural and Scholarships and Grants. internship opportunities. You can choose from seven residence hall This year, Adelphi awarded more than $80.1 million in scholarships and grants options, including living-learning communities where you can live to its full-time undergraduate students—money they don’t need to repay. with others who share your interests.

Virtual Undergraduate Spring Open House Saturday, May 1, 2021 12:00 noon–3:00 p.m.

See you online. Visit adelphi.edu/yourjourney to register. 223508 M

PROFILES IN EDUCATION • APRIL 21 - 27, 2021

Visit our Virtual Undergraduate Spring Open House. And let’s get your journey to success started. Explore. Ask questions. Learn about our career planning and financial aid. Take part in our Virtual Undergraduate Spring Open House for: • • • •

One-to-one chats with your enrollment counselor—learn more about our SAT/ACT test-optional policy for Fall 2022 A 360-degree live virtual tour of our gorgeous campus Discussions about our world-class academic programs Presentations from our financial services counselors

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A glimpse of student life and what it’s like to live on campus Opportunities to chat with your future classmates Stories and videos about successful outcomes and careers

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Seamless transfer application and enrollment process

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APRIL 21 - 27, 2021 • PROFILES IN EDUCATION

LETTER

TO OUR NATION’S PARENTS AND STUDENTS: I write first, as your new secretary of education, to acknowledge the extraordinarily challenging year you’ve endured. Between the health crisis, economic hardship, staunch national division, and the struggle to make progress in learning while apart from teachers and peers, the impact of the pandemic is still very real and will be felt for years to come. And yet, you’ve kept going. As a parent of two who experienced these same concerns and uncertainties, and an educator who has been moved by the resilience of the students and families I’ve met, let me say: you deserve recognition and you have my deepest thanks. Brighter days are ahead. We are making progress. More schools across the country are reopening for in-person learning, and they’re doing so with the help of clear, science-based guidance from experts in the field. The department has released part one of a COVID-19 handbook to help schools implement guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and we’re working on the second volume. Together, these guides will provide more evidence-based strategies for schools to minimize disruptions caused by school closures, especially for our most vulnerable students and communities and address the impact

of COVID-19 on educational opportunity across communities. The most pressing challenges we face aren’t new. Since I began teaching more than 20 years ago, opportunity gaps remain. There are still unacceptable disparities in high school graduation rates and higher education is still out of reach for too many students, including learners of color, those from low-income families, and those, as I was, who would be the first in their families to attend. These inequities aren’t just holding our children back from achieving their full potential—they’re holding our nation back, too. We all benefit when our children have high-quality opportunities to develop their skills and build their knowledge—and then, share their gifts and talents with the world. Our first priority is to return students to the classroom for in-person learning, but we know there’s more work to be done once we’ve achieved that goal. We’re also working toward building better career pathways, making college more affordable, ensuring all students have access to high quality schools with a balance of quality coursework that include the arts and sciences, supporting teacher quality and improving teacher diversity, ensure teachers receive

the support and respect they need and deserve, expanding access to high-quality preschool, and supporting high-quality career and technical education. President Biden’s plans are bold, but they match the urgency that the challenges before us demand. And as secretary, I will always keep students and their success at the heart of the department’s work. We know that, given the right support, resources and opportunities, our potential is boundless. Despite our worries as parents, this year we’ve seen new proofs of our children’s ingenuity, optimism, and ability to overcome the toughest of circumstances.

If we all commit to approaching the remainder of this school year—and the years to come—with this same mindset of possibility, dedication, and innovation, we can and will make good on our promise to America’s students. As an educator and as a parent, I commit to safeguarding and advancing the dreams of your children, as I commit to the dreams of my own son and daughter. Our nation’s students deserve— and they will get—our very best efforts, our most collaborative thinking, and our deepest belief in their abilities. Together, we can build a future of promise and opportunity that makes no exceptions. —Miguel Cardona

Arts Alliance Opens Applications For Scholar Artists Long Island Arts Alliance (LIAA) has opened the nomination and application process for the ScholarArtist program. Each year the Scholar-Artist program identifies 20 high school incoming seniors from Nassau and Suffolk counties as the island’s most promising student-artists, displaying a high level of academic achievement and exemplary talent and dedication to their craft. Awards are given in five areas of the arts: theatre (including theatre tech), music (including composition), dance, visual arts, and media arts. Students are nominated by their district’s arts administrator and each school district can nominate one student per arts discipline. The deadline for nominations is June 1. “In a year where normalcy has gone out the window, it was

important to LIAA and our ScholarArtist Committee that we continue the legacy of recognizing and honoring Long Island’s incredible young artists” Lauren Wagner, director of the Long Island Arts Alliance, said. “Not only is this program a celebration of the student’s accomplishments, but it also recognizes the support and dedication of their arts educators and their school districts. Right now, art, art-making, expression, and creativity are more important than ever, and if we can do something to highlight the importance of arts education in our schools, then we are going to do it.” The LIAA initiative, now in its 14th year, mirrors the region’s scholar-athlete program. The program has named more than 275 scholar-artists to date. In addition to the 20 scholar-artists

selected every year, the committee also selects up to 20 additional students to receive awards of merit, and all are honored at an end-of-theyear ceremony, which will take place virtually for the Class of 2021. “The Scholar-Artists represent the remarkable home-grown talent we have here on Long Island,” noted Roger Tilles, New York State Regent and Long Island Arts Alliance

Advisory Board Chair. “Long Island Arts Alliance is thrilled to support these young artists and give them some of the help they’ll need to continue to refine their talents and become even more successful.” Visit www.LongIslandArtsAlliance. org to learn more about the organization and about the Scholar-Artist program. —Submitted by LIAA

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PROFILES IN EDUCATION • APRIL 21 - 27, 2021

10A APRIL 21 - 27, 2021 • PROFILES IN EDUCATION

Are You Prepared For The Big Question In The COVID-era Job Interview? BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF

specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

or those who have lost jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the prolonged downtime has brought new challenges about how to spend their time productively. Marketing expert Vince Thompson said that scenario has created a whole new hiring dynamic, and when employers begin interviewing again, they will scrutinize more than just the resume to assess candidates’ skills, experience, and initiative. “One of the main questions employers will have for every job prospect will be, ‘What did you do to improve yourself personally and professionally, and others, during COVID?,’” said Thompson (www. meltatl.com), founder and CEO of the marketing agency MELT and author of Build Brand You: How To Use Your College Experience To Find And Win Your First Job. “That story you have to tell and sell is going to be the difference-maker in whether you land a new opportunity when we get to the other side of this crisis. It’s going to tell a potential employer everything they need to know about an individual. Did you feel sorry for yourself, did you binge watch TV, or did you learn a new skill and try to rebrand yourself for what will be a different and challenging job market?” Thompson offers some insights about the post-pandemic job market and how job seekers should approach it:

Younger generations can grow through the adversity.

Thompson said that for many people in their 20s and 30s, getting laid off during COVID and struggling to find work in a crowded market is a growing experience that will ultimately benefit them. “In the long term it’ll be the best thing that ever happened to them,” Thompson said. “Before COVID, unemployment was virtually non-existent. These kids had high expectations and wanted to be in leadership roles quickly, and if it didn’t work out they job-hopped. Now I think they’ll insert some humility and patience into their job-seeking process. They’ll develop appreciation for a job and empathy for what others are going through. I think it’s going to be a wakeup call for the younger generations.”

Employers are looking for people who can pivot.

“With competition fierce for jobs, you have very little time to get employers’ attention,” Thompson said. “You have to develop that hook in your story that sets you apart from other candidates. And you have to remember that every employer is thinking differently about the world and their business model than they did 12 months ago. So they want people who have proven their ability to grow and those with mental flexibility who can pivot quickly. What have you done during COVID,

or learned during it, that applies to new ways of helping companies and their consumers?”

Keep pushing professional development.

“Business leaders and economists see 2021 as a year of transition as industries undergo more changes,” Thompson said. “New opportunities will abound, and those who are proactive and stay on top of self-improvement practices, including upskilling, will prosper. Employers will be looking for soft skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving as well as tech savvy.”

Find and monetize your passion.

“If you’ve always had a passion or a hobby that you can make appealing to others and monetize, now is the time,” Thompson said. “Go online with it as a side gig while you look for a full-time job. Package and tell your story on social media, and weave it to potential employers. That type of creativity, attitude and effort shown in your entrepreneurial pursuit could land you the fulltime job.” “There is no time to waste in getting up to speed with a rapidly changing job market,” Thompson said. “Look at it this way: the best of you has yet to come.”

Garden City Public Schools Appoints New Administrators The Garden City Public Schools appointed two new administrators at a recent Board of Education meeting. Matthew Samuelson will join Garden City Middle School as principal and Connor Cohn will take on the role of assistant principal at Garden City High School. Samuelson has served as assistant principal at Irvington High School since 2016, and over these past five years has developed curricula, observed faculty members, led student groups, addressed student needs, implemented and designed programs, contributed to the code of conduct, participated in hiring processes and led 504 committee work, among other duties. He also co-chaired a sub-committee on reopening in the pandemic and designed protocols, created schedules to support in-person and remote learning and maintained a safe environment for students and staff members.

Connor Cohn (Contributed photo)

Earlier in his career, Samuelson taught English at New Rochelle High School/Albert Leonard Middle School. He holds leadership certifications from Harvard University and Stony Brook University, a Master of Science Degree from Brooklyn College and Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Rochester. Cohn comes to Garden City from the Dobbs Ferry School District, where he has been a School District and Building Leader intern since

Matthew Samuelson

(Contributed photo)

2018 and a social studies teacher since 2012. He created professional development plans, led 504 reviews, observed teachers, coordinated exams, helped to establish International Baccalaureate showcase events, facilitated emergency drills, implemented social emotional learning practices, managed student matters, designed schedules and developed curriculum. He also facilitated distance learning in light of COVID-19 and has coached many sports.

A seven-time recipient of the National W!SE: Gold Star Financial Literacy Teacher Award as well as a Dobbs Ferry PTSA Teacher Achievement Award winner and National W!SE: Top 100 Financial Literacy School Award honoree, Cohn holds leadership certifications and is a Google Certified Educator. He earned his Master of Science Degree from Mercy College and Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts from Union College. “We are pleased to welcome Mr. Samuelson and Mr. Cohn,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha said. “They both bring strong experience and will be valuable assets to the middle school, high school and entire district. Our search process was a thorough one that included student input, and I am confident that we chose the candidates best-suited to help our schools and students thrive.” —Submitted by the Garden City Public Schools

PROFILES IN EDUCATION • APRIL 21 - 27, 2021 11A ADVERTORIAL

Molloy College

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Academic Programs That Fuel Careers Molloy students can earn degrees in a variety of outstanding academic programs through the School of Business, the School of Education & Human Services, the Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing & Health Sciences, and the School of Arts & Sciences. Molloy also offers a variety of graduate and doctoral programs that provide the opportunity for students to further enhance their career or take a new direction while pursuing a passion. The College’s graduate programs include a variety of M.B.A. options, as well as programs in clinical mental health counseling, criminal justice, music therapy, speech-language pathology, education and nursing.

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What’s New Molloy, home to approximately 4,800 undergraduate and graduate students, continues to expand its flexible learning options for many of its programs, so that students can take evening, weekend, hybrid or online classes. Some of Molloy’s newer offerings include an online M.B.A., as well as a degree completion program that will enable returning students to easily complete their undergraduate degree.

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Molloy College plans to “return to normal” with in-person instruction for classes beginning in September 2021. “We are extremely pleased that Molloy College will once again be able to offer a face-to-face learning experience for our students,” said James Lentini, D.M.A., president, Molloy College. “We are looking forward to bringing back the inperson component of a Molloy education, a unique facet that adds an irreplaceable dimension and enhances the learning experience for all concerned.” Molloy will continue to follow all COVID-19 guidelines set forth by the Nassau County Department of Health, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control as it moves toward reinstituting an inperson learning model. In addition to enforcing social distancing and mask-wearing policies, the College has installed temperature kiosks and state-of-the-art air purification systems in residence halls and oncampus buildings. “As we look toward fall 2021, we are excited to safely offer our students a more traditional College experience,” said Janine Biscari, Ed.D., vice president for student affairs, Molloy College. “We are truly looking forward to having more students back in the classroom and on campus, and once again experiencing

IS THE

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12A APRIL 21 - 27, 2021 • PROFILES IN EDUCATION

Five Tips For Graduates To Prepare

olleges may return to normalcy in a few months as the rollout of vaccines continues. Meanwhile, in sharp contrast to that positive news, millions of college students will graduate this spring facing bleak employment prospects. The pandemic caused unemployment to soar last year and is expected to affect the job market for graduates again this year. Some labor analysts see the pandemic perhaps having this ripple effect on graduates for years to come. These sobering trends are why students should expand their preparation for the job market and know what action steps they need to take, said Vince Thompson (www. meltatl.com), founder and CEO of the marketing agency MELT and author of Building Brand You: How To Use Your College Experience To Find And Win Your First Job. “Thanks to COVID-19, if you’re in college right now or recently

graduated, you’re facing the toughest job market in our lifetime,” Thompson said. “With so many people unemployed and displaced, people will be willing to take a lesser job for a lesser salary just to get back in the market. “To use a fishing analogy, it’s going to take a lot of casts to get a few bites for interviews and ultimately land the job. But don’t let that discourage you. Instead, let it inspire you to grow and learn what you need to know to set yourself apart from other candidates. It’s all about positioning yourself by building your resume, brand and your network. And being enthusiastic about the process.” Thompson suggests the following tips for soon-to-be graduates as they prepare for a fiercely competitive job market:

Build your brand

The job market is so competitive that companies are looking for far more than candidates with a high GPA. “Hiring managers often seek

well-rounded young people who can communicate, collaborate and create,” Thompson said. “They’re looking for people who have been active outside the classroom as well—in clubs, the community, volunteer work, etc. All of these aspects are part of your brand. Also, the new litmus test in the job market will be, ‘What did you do to improve yourself and others during COVID? Or did you do nothing and feel sorry for yourself?’ Employers are going to be looking for those intangibles.”

Organize your marketing playbook

“Utilizing a complete marketing playbook means leveraging your abilities and interests on social media platforms,” Thompson said. “This is where you display your public brand. Your profile, posts, photos, and videos reflect what you’re about. It’s key that your presentation and

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PROFILES IN EDUCATION • APRIL 21 - 27, 2021 13A

For Fiercely Competitive Job Market message are consistent on each platform that you use.”

Expand your networking

“Today, about 75 percent of new hires happen through networking,” Thompson said. “Build a target list of people to contact at companies that are hiring. Join discussion groups on LinkedIn that can expand your contacts and your knowledge. Connect with thought leaders and ask them questions to gain insight.”

Upskill

“Companies want young people who are versatile and able to learn new skills quickly,” Thompson said. “Research skills required in fields that you’re pursuing and get credentialed through online training programs. If opportunities are far fewer in your chosen field, research where your best skills apply in other industries.”

Prepare for virtual interviewing

“When you interview in person, your body language, enthusiasm, handshake and small talk help build a connection with the interviewer,” Thompson said. “Being interviewed on a screen demands that you be fully engaged, establish a rapport, have continual eye contact and express yourself clearly.” “How you stand out from the crowd has always been the differentiator in hiring,” Thompson said. “It’s much a bigger crowd now for fewer jobs, so the importance of preparation in all facets has never been more important.” —Vince Thompson is an award-winning brand builder and sports marketer. He has worked on brand strategies for some of the most famous brands in the world, including The Coca-Cola Company and Aflac.

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The SAT Is On May 8 What to expect on test day

he next administering of the SAT test is on May 8. All test centers follow the same procedures and rules, which you should get familiar with before test day. On test day, bring a face covering and wear it as directed by the test center. Remember to also practice social distancing at all times. Be prepared to answer questions about your health prior to entering the test center. If you feel sick the day of your test, stay home and contact customer service for your options. You won’t be charged a change or cancellation fee if you stay home due to illness. Check your test center’s website for any additional or specific entry requirements it may have. If you’re traveling to test, it’s your responsibility to know and follow any quarantine requirements or travel restrictions in the location where you’re testing. Test centers may require proof that you’ve followed quarantine requirements and/or travel restrictions at check-in.

Make sure you show up with everything you need.

SAT Essay

If you’re unsure about taking the SAT Essay, you may be able to remove or add it on test day with your coordinator’s permission—if test materials, rooms, and staff are available. If you‘re able to switch on test day, there may be fees (or even a refund).

Testing Starts Between 8:30 and 9 a.m.

Your seat is assigned, not chosen by you. Wait to be seated. Here’s what will happen next: The test coordinator will read all instructions verbatim from a manual and can answer questions only about procedure, not about test questions or content. The test coordinator will tell you when to start and stop working on each section. You must work within each section of the test only for the time allotted. You may not go back to a section once that section has ended. You may not go ahead to a new section if you finish a section early. Do not skip sections. Doing so may result in score cancellation, delays, or both. After the test is finished, the test coordinator will collect and count the test books to make sure all materials have been turned in before dismissing you from the testing room. Don’t be surprised if your test experience isn’t exactly like that of the student sitting next to you. The sections in your test book might be different.

Check For Test Center Closings

Monitor test center closings in the days leading up to your test and the day of your test to make sure your test center hasn’t changed or closed. Check directly with the test center, including the test center’s website, on the morning of the test.

Doors Open At 7:45 a.m.

All test centers open at 7:45 a.m. and doors close at 8 a.m., unless otherwise noted on your admission ticket. You cannot be admitted once testing has started. If you’re late or absent on test day, you can reschedule. It is recommended that you reschedule as opposed to reregistering— it will cost less. The testing board is currently waiving all change fees through June 25.

Keep your ID and admission ticket with you at all times. They’ll be checked every time you enter the testing room. Test books, answer sheets and calculators must remain on your desk during breaks. You can’t use this time to power up devices, like cell phones—if you do, your scores will be canceled.

Dismissal

If you take the SAT with

essay, you’ll likely be done testing around 1 p.m. If you’re not taking the essay, you’ll likely be done around noon.

during break periods. If your device makes noise, or if you are seen using it, or if you attempt to access it at any time, including breaks, you will be dismissed immediately, your scores can be canceled and the device may be confiscated. The College Board is not responsible for loss or damage to personal items, including electronic devices, while you are in the test center. —Courtesy of the College Board

Devices

Your scores will be canceled if you don’t follow the rules around devices. Things to keep in mind Test administration staff reserves the right to collect and hold cell phones and other prohibited electronic devices during the test administration, including

New Hyde Park-Garden City Park District Welcomes New Director The New Hyde ParkGarden City Park Union Free School District announced that John Moran has been hired as its new director of facilities. Moran, a resident of Holtsville, is a seasoned custodial worker with 17 years of experience in the field. He has worked as the head custodian for various Long Island school John Moran districts. Most recently, he (Contributed photo) served as the chief custodian and assistant plant facil- Northport-East Northport Union Free School District. ities administrator for the

Among his qualifications, Moran is a certified mold assessor, an asbestos inspector and holds a building operator certification. Moran earned his school facilities management certificate from Hofstra University and his Bachelor of Science in business administration from SUNY Empire State. —Submitted by the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park Union Free School District

Breaks

For most students, there is one 10-minute and one five-minute break during the test, the only times you can eat and drink.

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