The Manhasset community gathered in the auditorium of Munsey Park Elementary School for the Manhasset Public Schools’ board of education meeting on April 4. To kick off the meeting, the board recognized several students and staff members.
Four executive officers of the Munsey Park Student Council were announced by Munsey Park Principal Chad Altman. The board congratulated student council president John (Jack) Deignan, treasurer Rhea Khurana, vice-president Andrew Palumbo and secretary Julia Renton for their leadership. In addition, students and staff involved in the elementary and high school CAPP programs were recognized.
Anne Soldano, one of the coordinators of Children at Play Plus (CAPP), spoke about the elementary CAPP program which is held at Shelter Rock Elementary School. This unique after-school program focuses on teaching appropriate play and social and communication skills to students with special needs from Shelter Rock. Along with staff members, some Shelter Rock students volunteer in the program to support their peers.
“They have dedicated their time and energy to help other children develop the skills they need to be successful in social situations,” said Ms. Soldano.
She commended the 14 staff members and the 20 Shelter Rock students who volunteer in the program.
Anne Tear, a coordinator of the Community Adolescent Peer Partnership (CAPP), spoke about the CAPP program at the high school level. This after-school program uses both structured and unstructured activities and games to teach social skills. Ms. Tear spoke highly of the partnership between the staff, students and peers which makes the program a success. She honored the 10 staff members and the top 10 student volunteers from the high school who “go above and beyond what the typical volunteer would do.”
Every student and staff member that was honored during the meeting received a certificate from the Manhasset Board of Education for making a difference.
