Salk Students Move Up

Levittown’s Jonas E. Salk Middle School eighth-graders proceeded down the aisles of the school’s gymnasium in the ceremonial moving-up tradition as parents and staff watched with great pride during the annual Moving-Up Day on June 11.

After class officers Kyra Carroll, Samantha Mercaldo and Jennifer Mullane led the salute to the flag and the eighth-grade chorus, under the direction of Lisa Grande, sang the national anthem, assistant principal Patrick Mulligan welcomed families and staff to this cherished event marking an educational milestone.

In his opening remarks, principal John Zampaglione advised the students not to let mistakes weigh them down.

“Reflect and learn by them,” he said.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tonie McDonald thanked the parents for providing a sense of security to their children to help them succeed. She also encouraged the students to get involved at MacArthur High School.

“Make your four years at MacArthur count in every way,” she stated.

Hempstead Town Councilman Gary Hudes also told the students not to be afraid of moving to the high school. Instead, he said, “try new things, set new goals and achieve those goals.”

During the ceremony, the administration and staff bestowed a number of special awards in the areas of academic excellence, character, athletics and citizenship. Board of Education trustee Michael Pappas also presented Umberto Bombardiere and Sean Nicholson with the first annual RISE Character Awareness Award.

The administration then handed out the certificates of completion to each of the students as they approached the stage. After the ceremony the students and their parents were invited for refreshments in the school cafeteria.

Submitted by Levittown Schools