Valley Stream 24 School District Holds Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate the Opening of New Sensory Playground

The Valley Stream 24 School District recently welcomed New York State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages for a special ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of a new sensory playground at Robert W. Carbonaro Elementary School.

Students joyfully explored the vibrant new space, taking turns on the inclusive swing set, interactive musical area, and expansive jungle gym. All of the equipment is thoughtfully designed to promote an engaging and inclusive play experience for every child.

Earlier this year, the District secured a $500,000 grant from Assemblywoman Solages to support the construction of the playground and the installation of two new water bottle filtration systems in each of the district’s schools.

“It is with immense pride that we celebrate the opening of our new sensory playground, made possible thanks to the incredible hard work and support of our Board of Education, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, and entire district community,” said Superintendent Dr. Unal Karakas. “This playground is more than a space for our students to play, but a symbol of inclusion, progress, and partnership.”

During her visit, Assemblywoman Solages spoke about her decision to partner with Valley Stream 24, expressing her admiration for the district’s commitment to ensuring that all students have the resources and support to thrive in a 21st-century learning environment.

She witnessed this commitment firsthand during a recent building tour, where the district showcased its newest innovations. She observed redesigned classrooms created through the district’s Vision 2030 initiative—spaces that promote student agency, collaboration, and technological readiness. The classrooms feature modern furniture, interactive whiteboard desks, calming corners, and stationary bikes, all aimed at enhancing student engagement, creativity, and flexibility.

The ribbon cutting marked a meaningful milestone in Valley Stream 24’s continued efforts to create inclusive, future-focused learning and play spaces for all students.

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

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Photos 1-4: Board of Education Trustees, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karakas, Assemblywoman Solages, administrators, PTA members, staff and students at the Valley Stream 24 School District recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the district's new sensory playground at Robert W. Carbonaro Elementary School.

Photo 5: Brooklyn Avenue School Principal Dr. Scott Comis, left, William L. Buck School Principal Michael DeBlasio, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas, New York State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Lisa Conte and Robert W. Carbonaro School Principal Rosario Iacono take part in ribbon cutting ceremony.

Photo 6-10: Assemblywoman Solages joined students as they enjoyed the features of the new playground.