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Friday, December 19, 2025
Vol. 2, No. 51
THE GATEWAY TO NASSAU COUNTY SERVING FLORAL PARK, BELLEROSE AND STEWART MANOR
MERRY CHRISTMAS
School board discusses impact of development BY KASSARA MCELROY
The Floral Park-Bellerose Board of Education covered student achievement, school safety measures and community issues during its December meeting.
Academic Performance
The Floral Park Library held its inaugural "Light the lions" family holiday event on Sunday, December 14th. The lions, Hugo and Ethan, welcome patrons and visitors at the Library's main entrance. Festivities included a visit from Olaf, carol sing-a-long, hot chocolate and, of course, candy canes and jingle bells! See page 4. The Floral Park Villager Published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Telephone 516-931-0012 Postmaster: Send Address Change to: The Floral Park Villager, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208 Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris, Publisher
The Education Committee reported that the district continues to outperform New York State averages in all tested areas, according to the 2024-25 NYS Educational District Report Card. Data shows that students scored above the state average in grades 3-8 English language arts, mathematics and science. The report also identified areas where additional support is needed. English language learners and students with disabilities both scored at Level 2 on the weighted average achievement index. Committee members said results will continue to be monitored and targeted supports developed to help address achievement gaps. Early literacy data from the fall showed that 67 percent of first- and second-grade students require additional support in foundational reading skills, including phonics and phonemic awareness. The committee discussed strengthening Tier 1 instruction through a more systematic, multisensory approach, think Fundations or Reading Horizons, and plans to establish a committee to further evaluate instructional options. The committee also provided an update on the district’s transition to standards-based report cards, which remains on track for full rollout during fall 2026. Members will review priority standards to ensure the revised report cards provide families with clearer and more consistent information about stu-
dent progress.
School Safety
The Safety Committee shared updates from its November meeting, reporting that the district is in compliance with new state safety requirements, including cardiac arrest response plans, AED accessibility, staff training and notification procedures. Other recent safety enhancements include new door alarms, single-point-of-entry systems, additional microphones to improve communication, and expanded security camera coverage. The committee also reviewed lockdown procedures and broader emergency preparedness efforts, including coordination with local authorities. Bus drivers have received “Stop the Bleed” training from FPPD and all buses are equipped with bleed control kits. District officials outlined changes to security staffing intended to better align coverage with building use. The tunnel connecting Terrace Avenue and the Floral Park-Bellerose School parking lot will remain open during original operating hours but will no longer be staffed during after-school hours, weekends, holidays or the summer. This change reflects usage patterns and savings will be redirected to support a full-time mobile security guard during the school day.
Property Development Concerns
During new business, a board member reported attending a December 1 Village of Floral Park hearing on a proposed property development and requested that the board consider issuing a statement ahead of the village's next meeting See page 2
Rotary spreads holiday cheer PAGE 3 Senior selected as semifinalist PAGE 6