Schools

Hicksville Schools Hold Car Parades For Students, Staff: PHOTOS

Students and educators in Hicksville recognized each other at socially distanced car parades amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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Every school in Hicksville Public Schools invited faculty and staff to meet on school grounds while parents and students drove past.
Every school in Hicksville Public Schools invited faculty and staff to meet on school grounds while parents and students drove past. (Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools.)

HICKSVILLE, NY — Balloons, posters and streamers descended upon Hicksville recently as students and teachers recognized each other, part of a 2020 class senior parade and so-called "reverse parades" held at every Hicksville school.

Members of the school community waved, honked horns and cheered with big, broad smiles that even masks couldn't hide, the district said.

Every school in the district invited faculty and staff to meet on school grounds while parents and students drove past.

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Below are photos from the parades, courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools.

At the high school, the class of 2020 led a robust vehicle parade along Division Avenue as faculty and staff stood along the lawn and street in front of the school. "The core and fiber of education is rooted in connection," Principal Raymond Williams said in a statement. "Connectivity ignites motivation and motivation leads to success. The Senior Parade in all its simplicity recaptured the connectivity that is essential for a school community to thrive. It's the feeling of belonging, the feeling that one matters, the feeling that the #Class of 2020 Is Not Cancelled."
"The Hicksville Middle School 'Sea of Hearts' parade was a special moment in a time that continues to challenge us," Principal Mara Jorisch said. "The smiles on students', parents' and staff faces showed us all how much we mean to each other and how much we have missed each other. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us. It was very evident that the students and parents enjoyed seeing everyone and we could not have asked for better weather."
"To some a school is a building, to others an institution," Burns Avenue Principal Dr. John Comer said. "Our ‘Reverse Parade’ confirmed what we already knew, Burns Avenue is more than a building. We are more than chairs and desks. We are a group of diverse individuals united and focused on the same goal, providing youngsters with the foundation to achieve the American Dream. Even though the doors might be locked, our hearts and minds are open. The Parade reminds us, we are all a part of something bigger and more important than ourselves."

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On May 2, Dutch Lane held its parade. When asked to describe what the event at her school was like, Principal Janine Rossi said, "I wouldn't even know where to begin. It was such a heartwarming day. All of our teachers, teaching assistants, psychologists, school nurse, secretaries, greeters, and monitors were in attendance. To be able to experience the human connection that you can only get from seeing each other's smiles was something that I will never forget. The Dutch parade was filled with so much gratitude, happiness, and love and it was so special for us to come together as a family. We all benefited from this experience and it is something that we will never forget."

“Everyone has such a good time,” East Street Principal Jean-Marie Serra said. “Saturday's parade brought so much joy to everyone who attended. Teachers, staff members, parents and students were delighted to see each other."
With Teaching Assistant Janet Clifford by his side, Principal Chris Scardino welcomed staff, parents, and students to Fork Lane’s “Reverse Parade.” “The much anticipated Fork Lane Parade came when all students, staff and parents NEEDED a personal connection that was safe," Scardino said. "We did just that, an organized flow with teacher waves/signs to a full capacity family crowd one-by-one safely in their fully decorated cars. It was exactly what the doctor ordered! Police presence from our friendly POP officer that provided safety and the bright lights on his car only added to the excitement! The 12 noon parade was a week-end highlight only falling second to our Mother's Day wishes for all those caring/hardworking MOMS!"
On May 5, Lee Avenue held its car parade. “I just want to say how much it meant to me that so many of you came to our parade to show our students how much they mean to you and how much you are missing them,” Principal Stephanie Stam said of her faculty and staff. “The students were so happy to see your faces. The signs and decorations you made put smiles on their faces. You were amazing!”
Teachers and staff from OCR lined up in front of the school to wave to their students and parents in the late afternoon on May 5. “Thank you to all of our staff and families who showed their support. It was so wonderful to see so many people from our family come to say ‘hi.’ Thank you to Mrs. Raspanti and Mrs. Dina Ciotti Pinder for helping us organize: “We Are Family!”
On Saturday, May 9, Woodland parents drove to the school’s car parade so their children could see their teachers. “The day could not have been more perfect,” Principal Beth Swanson said. “The Woodland staff came out in full force to see the faces of our students and families that we love and miss so much. Through smiles and tears we all waved as each car came passing through the parking lot of our very special school. It's a day that all of us will never forget.”

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