Valley Stream 24 Partners with Northwell Health

Northwell Health’s Long Island Jewish Valley Stream recently partnered with Brooklyn Avenue School in the Valley Stream 24 School District through its “Sponsor a Classroom” initiative. The program supports educators by providing them with much-needed supplies to enrich instruction and enhance the classroom experience.

As part of the initiative, Long Island Jewish raised funds to fulfill the wish lists of two dedicated Brooklyn Avenue teachers: fourth-grade teacher Leigh Tamburello and kindergarten teacher Joanna Walbrecht. On Friday, September 19, 2025, district administrators, Board of Education Vice President Wilson, and staff, visited the hospital to collect over a dozen boxes of donated supplies.

Ms. Tamburello’s classroom received a variety of resources, including a Cricut machine, essential school supplies, snacks, birthday prizes, and other instructional tools designed to boost student engagement. Ms. Walbrecht’s wish list, tailored for early learners, featured a puppet theater, kitchen playset, and other interactive materials that foster creativity and social development.

“On behalf of our Board of Education and the entire Valley Stream 24 School District, it is an honor to partner with Northwell Health through the Sponsor a Classroom initiative,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas. “This partnership provides our students with the essential tools, resources, and technology that enhance learning and support success. Our teachers collaborated closely with Northwell Health to make this possible, and we are deeply grateful for Northwell’s generosity and commitment to our schools.”

Board of Education President Melissa Herrera also praised the effort, noting, “Partnerships like this truly reflect the strength of our community. We are grateful to Northwell Health for supporting our students and teachers, and for helping us ensure that every child has access to resources that enrich their learning experience.”

This collaboration highlights Valley Stream 24’s ongoing commitment to building strong community partnerships that provide resources, expand opportunities, and empower students to succeed.

For more information about Valley Stream 24, please visit the District’s website at https://valleystreamschooldistrict24.org and ‘like’ our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VS24SchoolDistrict #MakeTheConnection #VS24 #InnovatingOurFuture