Deer Park Board Recognizes Essay Winner, Staff Member Of The Month

DEER PARK, NY — The Deer Park Board of Education recognized students, staff, and key instructional programs during its Nov. 25 meeting, highlighting achievements across the district, officials said.

According to the district, the first honor of the evening went to Robert Frost Middle School student Ibrahim Mughal, who was unable to attend, for winning the Town of Babylon’s Veterans Awareness Day essay contest.

May Moore Primary School Creation Station aide Sue Broccio was recognized as the district’s Staff Member of the Month.

“Sue is the ultimate team player, bringing dedication, enthusiasm, and a problem-solving mindset to May Moore every single day,” Principal Tammy Alcalde said. “Her work ethic and team spirit make her truly deserving of districtwide recognition.”

The board also welcomed several new instructional hires, including Deer Park High School science teacher John Pankey and teaching assistants Caitlin Buchholz, Rachel Rhodes, Megan Rooney-Merkle, Christina Vitarella, and Angela Walz, officials said. Two faculty members — John F. Kennedy Intermediate School special education teacher Alexandra Morelli and Robert Frost Middle School teaching assistant Erin Schabe — were granted tenure.

In the buildings and grounds department, Supervisor William Fitzgerald was promoted to director of operations, and Deer Park High School Chief Custodian James Perrotta was named districtwide chief custodian.

The meeting concluded with a presentation from Director of Elementary Education Dr. Danielle Sheridan, who outlined updates to the district’s elementary instructional programs alongside building principals, assistant principals, and directors, district officials said.