East Rockaway Schools

E.R. schools were a ‘Rock’ amid Covid-19

By Mike Smollins

East Rockaway schools dealt with many challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, which caused school officials and students to adapt to an all-remote model, followed by a hybrid schedule, and eventually leading to a full in-person return.

After many events and activities were cancelled in 2020, things normalized more toward the end of the 2021 school year, culminating in a full in-person graduation for the class of 2021 at the Marion Street High School football field in Lynbrook. At the ceremony, Superintendent of Schools Lisa Ruiz praised the seniors for their resiliency during an unprecedented time.

“What is truly extraordinary is that each and every one of you were the other half in our reinvention of how we do school and that’s pretty amazing,” she said. “Not only did we figure it out, but you had to be the recipients and, most importantly, had to learn under those really challenging conditions. Life is going to throw us curve balls, things we are not prepared to handle, but how each one of you chooses to respond will make the difference in your life. It is not the challenge itself, but how we respond to that challenge that defines our character and shapes our lives. We know you will do extraordinary things as you travel down life’s road.”

The future of the district also looks bright after voters approved a $41.7 million budget for the 2021-22 school year in May.

More than 74 percent of the budget will go toward programs, while over 13 percent is designated for capital projects and more than 11 percent is allocated to administrative expenses. East Rockaway will receive $7.8 million in state aid.

The budget includes a continued focus on security with upgraded cabling for high-definition cameras, replacement of old cameras with highdefinition cameras, and the addition of 3M security film in common areas and on classroom doors, the installation of security fencing along the walkway to the front entrance of Rhame Avenue Elementary School, the continuation of the 1:1 tablet initiative for third- through 12th-graders, the addition of Mac computers for high school art programs and an additional oven for the high school.

Additionally, the budget will fund floor replacements in the art room at Centre Avenue Elementary School, continued support for the high school’s summer school program and the Northwell Health Community Mental Health Clinic.

Photos courtesy East Rockaway School District Top Photo: The class of 2021 was able to have an in-person graduation this past June after a trying year and a half.