Greatness Happens within Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District

Plainview, NY (September 16, 2016) — The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District recently celebrated the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year as students and teachers returned to their classrooms. In addition to the start of classes and participating in a number of commemorative activities, the District also introduced its theme for the year: “Great Happens Here.” The adage references the many positive changes throughout the District such as the addition of kindergarten students within the elementary schools, and an extended school day for students at Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District’s John F. Kennedy High School.

“Our dedicated staff and Board of Education are thrilled about the many wonderful changes we have in store this year,” said Lorna Lewis, Superintendent of Schools. “We look forward to having another successful year of learning and working together to discover all of the greatness within our District.”

On the first day of school, students in first through fourth grades were eager to welcome the first group of kindergarten students to their school buildings—many of whom are siblings. The school board voted to integrate kindergarten students into their local schools as part of the 2016-2017 school budget in an effort to increase quality-of-life, diminish long transportation routes, and decrease the amount of transitions between schools.

Also, students in ninth through twelfth grades at John F. Kennedy High School will be the first class to experience a nine-period day. With the new schedule, students will have the opportunity to take an additional elective and participate in more after-school programs.

In addition to new academic changes, students and community members experienced the benefit of completed renovations in buildings throughout the District. These renovations included brand new windows at both Pasadena Elementary School and Parkway Elementary School, a brand new playground at Old Bethpage Elementary School and a new gym floor as well as a carpeted library and music spaces at Stratford Road Elementary School.

For more information about the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District, please visit the district’s website at http://www.pob.k12.ny.us.

Photo 1: Students at H.B. Mattlin Middle School in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District walk off the bus and into the first day of school.

Photo 2: Students at H.B. Mattlin Middle School in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District say hello to the 2016-2017 school year.

Photo 3: Students at Parkway Elementary School in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District journey through the halls and find their way to class on the first day of school.

Photo 4: Older students at Parkway Elementary School in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District help their younger siblings find their way on the first day of school. This is the first year kindergarten students will be in their home elementary schools.

Photo 5: Students at Parkway Elementary School in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District are greeted by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lorna Lewis on the first day of school.

Photo 6: Students at Parkway Elementary School in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District are welcomed to the 2016-2017 school year by Principal Greg Scesney.

Photo 7: John F. Kennedy High School football fans come out to support at the team’s home game on the first day of Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District’s 2016-2017 school year.

Photo 8: Students at Pasadena Elementary School in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District takes to the classroom on the first day of school.

Photo 9: Students at Pasadena Elementary School in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District start their first day of school full of excitement.

Photo 10: Students at Pasadena Elementary School in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District step off the bus prepared for a brand new school year.