Elwood Honors Steve Stern, PTA Reflections Winners, Parents

ELWOOD, NY — The Elwood School District Board of Education recognized Assemblyman Steve Stern, the 12 PTA Reflections contest winners, and parent groups at its Jan. 12 meeting.

Stern has been a "wonderful supporter" of the school district and its students, Superintendent Kenneth Bossert said via news release.

"For many years now, he has used his discretion that enables him to provide special funding to sponsor different projects and initiatives within the district," Bossert said. "In the last two years, Assemblyman Stern is singularly responsible for an additional $90,000 coming to the district to support several initiatives that are helping us to enhance our security and surveillance systems to make sure all of our students and staff are safe every day."

James Tomeo, president of the Elwood Board of Education, called Stern a "staunch advocate" of the Elwood School District and community.

"Every penny counts in education, so every piece that we get to put our puzzle together goes a long way," he said.

A dozen talented PTA Reflections contest winners were then honored, presented by Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Maureen Hull.

The students recognized were Harley Avenue Primary School’s Kyle Clancy and Mia Mueller (both visual arts); James H. Boyd Intermediate School’s Ella Colongeli (literature), Mia Giacalone (visual arts), Aria Pineda (photography) and Jolie Roman (visual arts); Elwood Middle School’s Sophia Brown (visual arts), Julia Giardina (visual arts), Melina Leonidou (literature) and Jewel Li (photography); and Elwood-John H. Glenn High School’s Brayden Klement (photography) and Emily Yang (visual arts).

“One of the most important things we can do is provide our students with a voice, and the Reflections competition is such an important avenue for students to express their creativity,” Hull said.

The board also honored four dedicated parent leaders and their volunteer parent groups: PTA Council President Agapi Bell, SEPTA President Marlene Costanza, Music Sponsors President Kim Rourke and Booster Club President Lisa Polese.

“The truth of the matter is, these groups could be thanked each meeting, each month, because their contributions to the school district are without limit,” Dr. Bossert said.

The meeting also marked the introduction of Dr. Sonia Hood as Elwood’s incoming assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, replacing the retiring Hull.