Garden City Public Schools

Garden City Schools continued its commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction this August as new K–5 teachers participated in “Building a Strong Foundation: Integrating Research-Based, High-Leverage Practices to Deliver a Comprehensive Approach to Literacy for All” during New Teacher Orientation Week.

The five-hour professional learning course, co-created in 2023 by Lauren Kaufman, Lauren Quezada and Rachel Lindsey, introduces new teachers to the research and high-impact practices that support strong literacy development, including the “Big Six” skills: oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Grounded in the New York State Science of Reading Literacy Briefs and current research, the course combines active learning, discussion, reflection and classroom application.

The course is updated annually to align with current research and district priorities, ensuring that every new K–5 teacher begins their Garden City career with a shared foundation and language for literacy instruction. This year’s session was a success, providing new teachers with valuable knowledge and strategies to carry into their classrooms!

The Garden City School District is currently hiring bus attendants and bus drivers! Bus driver applicants must possess a valid CDL (Class B-PS). Starting annual salaries are as follows: Bus Driver (7-hour position): $35,143 Bus Driver (5-hour position): $25,102 Bus Attendant: $26,177 Interested applicants can contact the GCUFSD Transportation Office at 516-478-1900 or [email protected] for more information.

Introducing the Garden City School District’s newest administrators! To close out our series, meet Ms. Phyllis Turner, transportation supervisor.

"What excites me most about working with the Garden City School District is building new relationships and the growth I will gain from being here in Garden City," said Ms. Turner. “Some words I live by are ‘A smile goes a long way.’”

Congratulations to Ms. Turner on her new position! We look forward to her leadership and success in the years ahead.

View the Garden City 2026-2027 district calendar online by visiting the district website. Printed copies will be arriving in homes in late August!

Introducing one of the Garden City School District’s newest community leaders — Ms. Kristen Pappas, president of the Board of Education.

"What excites me most about serving as Board president this year is the opportunity to serve in this leadership role and continue finding meaningful ways to support our students, staff and families,” said Ms. Pappas. “I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow Board members and district leadership to build on our successes and create new opportunities for our students.”

“My favorite part of serving as Board president in Garden City is that we have a wonderful community that is deeply invested in our schools and our children,” she said. “I appreciate the strong support and partnership among our families, staff and community members, and am grateful to serve a community that cares so much about the success of its students.”

Congratulations to Ms. Pappas on her new position! We look forward to her leadership and success in the years ahead.

The final week of SCOPE Camp was a success! Students had a fun-filled week exploring their creativity and interests through activities in art, culinary, fitness, theater and STEM!

Introducing the Garden City School District’s newest administrators! Next up is Ms. Lauren Quezada, principal of Homestead School.

"What excites me most about working with the Garden City School District is the opportunity to return to a community that values collaboration, innovation, and putting students first," said Ms. Quezada. "Garden City has a strong tradition of excellence, and I am excited to build meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families while helping every child feel seen, supported, and inspired to learn each day."

Ms. Quezada also shared the words she lives by: "Every Decision. Every Day. Kids First."

Congratulations to Ms. Quezada on her new position! We look forward to her leadership and success in the years ahead.

Visit the Garden City School District website to learn more about water safety, including safe swimming practices, drowning prevention, water safety for children and teens, and maintaining a safe and healthy swimming environment. Explore the Water Safety Information section for helpful resources and information: https://www.gardencity.k12.ny.us/432873_2

SCOPE Newsletter - July 16 2026

Art - Our Art students had an incredible time expressing their creativity through a variety of hands-on projects designed to inspire imagination and confidence. From painting and drawing to mixed-media creations and seasonal crafts, every child had the opportunity to create something uniquely their own. The classroom was filled with excitement, laughter, and pride as students shared their artwork and celebrated each other's creativity.

Culinary - Cooking quickly became a student favorite as young chefs prepared delicious treats while learning valuable kitchen skills and food safety. Throughout the program, students enjoyed creating
homemade potato chips, sliders, ice cream sandwiches, decorated cupcakes, and other exciting recipes.
Every lesson combined creativity, teamwork, and hands-on learning, giving students a memorable experience they were excited to share at home.

Fitness - Fitness was full of energy, teamwork, and fun! Students stayed active through engaging games, relay races, cooperative challenges, and movement activities that promoted healthy habits while building sportsmanship and confidence.
Every session was designed to keep students moving, laughing, and encouraging one another in a positive environment.

Theater - Our Theater students truly shined as they built confidence, developed performance skills, and worked together to prepare for their final showcase. Through acting games, improvisation, movement, and rehearsals, students formed friendships while learning the importance of teamwork and creativity. Watching them perform with such enthusiasm and pride was a highlight of the program.

STEM - STEM was packed with discovery, problem-solving, and exciting experiments that kept students engaged every day. Whether designing balloon-powered cars, launching rockets, exploring engineering challenges, or investigating scientific concepts, students worked together to think critically and test their ideas. It was wonderful to see their curiosity grow as they learned through fun, hands-on experiences.