Garden City Public Schools

Stratford fifth graders Alice Grant, Julien Ficht and Patrick Burns were honored as Finalists in NY Assemblyman Ed Ra’s “There Ought to Be a Law” contest. The contest drew 553 applicants from the elementary schools in Assemblyman Ra’s district and Alice, Julien and Patrick were among the 20 students selected as finalists.

Alice proposed a law prohibiting electronic device use while riding bikes. Julien proposed a law creating time on Sundays for workers to rest, spend time with family and prepare for the week. Patrick proposed “Brayden’s Law,” in honor of his 21 year old cousin with Down Syndrome, which would require large businesses registered in NY state to hire a certain percentage of employees with special needs.

The contest was an excellent civics lesson reviewing the mechanics of lawmaking, which all start with ideas held by passionate citizens like Alice, Julien and Patrick. Congratulations to these students on this amazing achievement!

Garden City High School social studies teacher Mr. Kevin O’Hagan and former GCHS educator Dr. Mike Stratis are bringing history to life through a series of radio discussions on Cosmos FM.

As part of the nation’s upcoming America 250 commemoration, Dr. Stratis invited Mr. O’Hagan and fellow GCHS social studies teacher Mr. Mike Zagari to participate in a five-part series exploring key moments and figures from the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence. Topics include “Pivotal Battles of the American Revolution,” “The Myths and Reality of the Declaration of Independence” and “The B-Listers of the Continental Congress.”

Both Mr. O’Hagan and Mr. Zagari incorporate podcasting into their classrooms to help students develop research, writing, editing and public speaking skills. To listen to the programs, visit the Cosmos FM website and explore the archives page.

This Week in Garden City

6/22
HS Finals/Regents Exams

6/23
HS Finals/Regents Exams
Stewart and Stratford 5th Grade Pool Party - Rain Date

6/24
HS Finals/Regents Exams
Elementary School Early Dismissal @11:40AM
Primary Schools Early Dismissal @12:00PM

6/25
HS Finals/Regents Exams
Elementary School Early Dismissal @11:40AM
Primary Schools Early Dismissal @12:00PM
HS Pre-Prom Event & HS Senior Prom

6/26
HS Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal & Breakfast
Last Day of School
Regents Rating Day
Elementary School Early Dismissal @9:10AM
Primary School Early Dismissal @9:30AM

VIEW THE DISTRICT EVENTS CALENDAR FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.gardencity.k12.ny.us/events

Today, we honor Juneteenth and reflect on its enduring message of freedom and unity.

We are pleased to share key updates from the June 16 Board of Education meeting, celebrating student accomplishments and district progress. For the full minutes and audio recordings from the meeting, please refer to the Board of Education section on the district’s website.

A total of 116 Garden City High School students recently participated in the National Italian Exam sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Italian under the direction of Italian teachers Lisa Malaszczyk and Giovanni D’Ambrosio.

The web-based assessment evaluates students’ written and oral Italian skills in alignment with ACTFL proficiency guidelines, providing students with the opportunity to demonstrate their language abilities on a national level. More than 6,000 students nationwide participate each year, with AATI recognizing outstanding achievement through awards including monetary prizes, study trips to Italy, medals and certificates. The program celebrates students at all levels of proficiency and their dedication to language learning.

This year, Garden City had 79 total award recipients:
Level II: 25 winners: 6 gold, 8 silver, 1 bronze and 10 honorable mentions.
Level III: 30 winners: 8 gold, 3 silver, 8 bronze and 11 honorable mentions.
Level IV: 21 winners: 5 gold, 3 silver, 4 bronze and 9 honorable mentions.
Level V: 2 winners: 2 gold.

Congratulations to all award recipients on this incredible achievement!

Congratulations to the Garden City students and staff members recognized at this week’s Board of Education meeting!

Challenger athletes were honored for their participation in the Victory Games, where they demonstrated teamwork and perseverance while proudly representing Garden City. Twenty-five student-athletes earned medals in field events and relay races.

The district also celebrated an outstanding spring athletic season, highlighted by state-level achievements from several teams and student-athletes. The girls and boys track and field teams, girls lacrosse team and boys tennis team each earned recognition for their impressive accomplishments, including county, Long Island and New York State championships.

The Nancy Maher Maxwell Award, which honors teachers who support students with special needs, was presented by SEPTA President Kristen Cook to Eryn Maher and Kimberly Babjak.

Certificates of appreciation were also presented to student Board of Education member Kayla Cherney and retirees Ms. Dana DiCapua, assistant superintendent for business and finance, and Dr. Suzanne Viscovich, principal of Homestead School, in recognition of their dedication and service to the Garden City community.

Congratulations to all!

Congratulations to the Garden City Middle School eighth graders who were recognized at this year’s awards ceremony. Students were honored for their outstanding achievements in academics, the arts, music and athletics, as well as their leadership, community involvement and commitment to service. Each award was presented by a faculty member or community representative, recognizing the many ways these students have made a positive impact both in and out of the classroom. Congratulations to all!

The Garden City School District honored this year’s retirees during its annual retirement ceremony. Each retiree was recognized for the contributions they made throughout their careers and the difference they have made in the lives of students and staff. Congratulations to this year’s retirees. Thank you for all you have done, and best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement!