_________________ FREEPORT _________________
HERALD Soup Kitchen adapts
Hofstra softball regains form
Scholarship for future engineers
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VOL. 88 NO. 23
JUNE 1 - 7, 2023
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Remembering a swift response to the pandemic
Marking Memorial Day in the village Freeport Police Officer Darryl Shim paused to greet his 3-year-old daughter, Sydney, during Monday’s parade. Find more pictures on Page 3.
By MOHAMED FARGHALY mfarghaly@liherald.com
Courtesy Randy Milteer/Freeport Public Relations
The coronavirus pandemic had a significant impact on Long Island, isolating many residents, especially those already struggling with hunger. In response, Long Island Cares focused on ensuring the timely and safe distribution of food. Founded by the late folk-rock performer Harry Chapin, a Huntington native and a Grammy Hall of Fame member, Long Island Cares acted swiftly as the pandemic spread, driven by its ethical responsibility to assist those in need. It received financial help from the federal government, enabling it to meet peo-
ple’s needs through in-person visits or home delivery. Recognizing the need to adapt to the circumstances, Long Island Cares established pop-up distribution centers instead of organizing large-scale food drives. These centers offered “Grab and Go” emergency food boxes, providing consistent access to nutritious meals while maintaining a connection with the community. “We have an ethical responsibility to serve people,” Dr. Jessica Rosati, Long Island Cares’ chief program officer, said. “We were fortunate enough that the federal government made a significant amount of resources CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
Freeport school district led the way during Covid crisis By MOHAMED FARGHALY mfarghaly@liherald.com
The Freeport School District rose to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. From March 2020 onward, the district swiftly adapted to the evolving situation, prioritizing the health, well-being, and education of its students. By putting in place various support systems and leveraging existing technologies, the district acted as a local trailblazer in addressing the multifaceted impact of the pandemic. “I must express that it is truly remarkable how, in a unified manner, we have overcome the
greatest challenge that has ever impacted us globally,” Superintendent Kishore Kuncham said. “This celebratory time, both locally and globally, highlights the unity and resilience that brought us together. It is astonishing to witness how, despite facing extraordinary challenges throughout t h i s t h r e e - ye a r journey, we have effortlessly harnessed our collective strength and power to triumph.” Even before the pandemic, the district had established measures to address learning chal-
lenges and mental health needs. That foundation served as a strong base to navigate the challenges that emerged in March 2020. As the pandemic peaked and schools temporarily closed, the district quickly transitioned to remote and hybrid learning models. It offered both in-person and remote learning options, ensuring that students could continue their education while adhering to health guidelines. That flexible, hybrid approach helped the district minimize disruptions to
Covid
learning. “We implemented a hybrid operation, meaning students would attend in person for a couple of days and then remotely for the rest,” Kuncham said. “We made every effort at that time to ensure the schools remained open for our students, following the guidance of health experts to the extent possible.”
The district put numerous initiatives in place to promote students’ well-being. For example, it addressed food insecurity by providing “Grab and Go” meals, allowing all students to access nutritious meals whether they were attending in-person or remote classes. The district collaborated with CONTINUED ON PAGE 2