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ROCKVILLE CENTRE GUIDE
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Rockville cenTRe SchoolS
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he Rockville Centre School District is one of the best in the state, with widely recognized and honored faculty members, administrators and educational programs. South Side High School has previously been named one of the best schools in the country by Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report and many other rating groups. This year marks a change in leadership, as June Chang took on the role of superintendent on July 1, replacing longtime superintendent Dr. William Johnson, who retired on June 30. Over the past four decades, programs were created at the schools that are celebrated around the country, and that help students achieve their best. Students at the high school take International Baccalaureate courses in English and history, which challenge them and help them learn critical-thinking skills. Many other students go on to take more IB classes and graduate with an International Baccalaureate Diploma. Nearly all South Side students graduate, and many go on to four-year colleges. When schools were ordered to close in March, the district immediately developed a distancelearning plan and has worked to continue to support children on both the academic and social-emotional levels. The district is following the directives of the state and creating a plan for the 2020-21 school year. “Safety is our first and foremost concern,” Chang said. “Regardless of the directives that may change, we will have our key focus on the safety measures that we need to follow and implement to provide a safe environment for all students and members of the school district.” Rockville Centre is also home to St. Agnes Cathedral School, one of the largest Catholic elementary schools on Long Island. Hundreds of Rockville Centre students attend St. Agnes kindergarten through eighth grade, and often go on to attend Chaminade or Kellenberg high schools.
Susan Grieco/Herald
Top Left Photo: On the first day of school last September, Matthew McCarthy helped out his kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Dodd. It is still unclear what the start of the 2020-21 school year will bring for students. Jill Nossa/Herald
Top Right Photo: The South Side High School class of 2020 held its commencement ceremony in the parking lot of Nassau Coliseum on June 26. Families remained in their cars while students lined up, spaced apart and wearing masks, to accept their diplomas. Courtesy Elizabeth Cavanaugh
Middle Photo: Kindergartners in David Ferrone’s class at Hewitt Elementary School took part in Zoom video conference calls once schools were closed. Courtesy Odette Peralta/RVCSD
Bottom Photo: Riverside Elementary School students in Keith Eckert fifthgrade class created cards to donate to the senior center. Students’ handmade cards for different occasions included holiday, congratulations, birthday and get-well-soon.