Roosevelt Union Free School District

May 14, 2018

It is with great pleasure that the Ulysses Byas Elementary School Family acknowledges the continuous contributions of our cafeteria staff.  Led by the unstoppable Mrs. Retha M. Hines, the staff serves our students and staff with efficiency and grace.  We thank Mrs. Hines, Ms. Maxine Dixon, Ms. Elsa N. Joya,  and Ms. Samantha Whaley for their dedication to our school community.  We also recognize Ms. Joyce Broadwater for her service to our school.

May 7, 2018

Having a flare for the arts, Mrs. Anderson-Reid has been a Family and Consumer Sciences (Home and Careers) teacher at Roosevelt Middle School for the past 15 years. With the drive to inspire and educate students, she sets high standards for her students in and out of the classroom. It is her desire to see her students excel, become model citizens and leaders in their school and community.

Over the past few years Mrs. Anderson-Reid has been the RMS Culinary Arts Club adviser and has engaged students in community service events; such as, Teensgiving, a Thanksgiving event at the Rosa Parks Senior Center.

It is her wish to establish the ideal Family and Consumer Sciences classroom where education is highly valued and students develop life skills needed to guide them through their lives.

April 30, 2018

Mrs. Rosa Dluginsky is a Special Education Teacher in the Resource Room at the Roosevelt Middle School. She has called Roosevelt home for the past 12 years. Mrs. Dluginsky has been a teacher for over twenty years. She believes that her success in education is due to the relationships that she makes with her students. Mrs. Dluginsky believes that it is very important for students to know that they matter. Whether it is to attend an athletic event, be that shoulder to cry on or the ear to listen, the teacher makes the difference. Mrs. Dluginsky goal is to continue to make a difference in the lives of the students that she teaches. She loves to hear that her former students are now studying to be teachers. There is no greater joy than that.

April 23, 2018

This is Mr. Lewners 1st year in the Roosevelt Middle School. He has been teaching for 10 years now. He teaches special education, in a self-contained setting.  Mr. Lewner also serve as a club adviser for three clubs; Lego Robotics, Coding club, Nassau Community College Coding Grant club. Through his leadership Mr. Lewner teaches his student to take ownership of their education, and to be classroom leaders not followers. Mr. Lewner wants to continue to educate students to become leaders in the Roosevelt school district.

April 16, 2018

Ms. Jennifer Osorio is a Roosevelt Alumni, and has been in the district since first grade at Harry Daniels Primary Center. After high school, she attended SUNY Old Westbury and received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education, Special Education (1-6) and Bilingual Extension. Ms. Osorio is also in the process of finalizing her B-2 certification from Touro College, and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Teaching English to Students of Other Languages from Hofstra University. Ms. Osorio has been with the amazing Ulysses Byas family and loves learning from other teachers in her school and district. In addition, she loves watching all students, in and out of her class; grow into academically and emotionally rich and happy children.

April 9, 2018

Mrs. Debra Rainey has been an Administrative Assistant in the Roosevelt School District since 2000 and has worked in Roosevelt Middle School for approximately 8 years.  She is a long-time Roosevelt resident and Roosevelt alumni.  Mrs. Rainey is also coordinator of the Youth Positive Initiative, a community service organization for girls where the group creates projects that will contribute to and enhance our community.  She is currently working on a blessing basket project where her group will create and distribute baskets to sick children in Nassau University Medical Center.  Her goal is to build self-esteem, leadership skills and empower our youth by helping the disadvantaged.  She loves working with the students, staff and parents of the Roosevelt community.    

March 26, 2018

Dr. Frank Abel is the educator of the week. Dr. Abel is more than doubled the size of the RHS band in a 2 year period, and he has exposed our school to dynamic programs. The University of Miami Pep/Marching band performed for our student body on March 6^th. They also spoke to our students as part of our college and career readiness plan.

March 19, 2018

Ms. Hewitt serves as the clerical for the Committee on Preschool Special Education. With this job, comes a lot of responsibilities and paperwork that Ms. Hewitt handles with ease. She interacts with the parents of our youngest students, always going the extra mile to be sure they understand the process and they have what they need. She is the contact person when the district must communicate with the county and local preschools and servicing agencies, she is always pleasant and helpful when she is working with them. Ms. Hewitt’s work ethic is nothing short of impeccable. She greets everyone with a smile, she will help to resolve any issue presented to her happily. She is smart, hard-working, kind and caring. Our youngest students and their parents are in very good hands.

March 12, 2018

Mr. Syers has been working in the Roosevelt Middle School for 5 years. He is currently a special education teacher in the middle school. Mr. Syers also serves as the Roosevelt High School and Middle School wrestling coach, where he instills the importance of being a well-rounded student athlete teaching discipline, self-respect, and respect for others. He hopes to continue to encourage and inspire the students as well as his peers in the Roosevelt Union Free School District for many years to come.

March 5, 2018

February 26, 2018

Ms. Tanya Curtis is a 3rd grade teacher at Ulysses Byas School. She has been teaching in the Roosevelt School District for the past twenty years. Ms. Curtis is a child of Caribbean parents who always reinforced the value and importance of a good education. It is with the same passion that she is committed to educating her students. She helps them foster a love for learning, by making learning interesting and meaningful.

Recently, as a part of Dr. Hazelton’s initiative on writing her students entered a 100 Word Mini Saga creative writing contest. Out of six thousand entries, ten of her students were chosen for

publication. Congratulations, Belsi Cordon, Daniel Lawrence, Carmen Severino, Orlando Jones, Aaronna Baxter, Zahida Allen, Genisus Rivera, Jaiden Urbina, Darwin Ferman, and Nylah Benjamin.

“One of the best feelings in the world is watching your child/children being praised”. – Tanya Curtis

February 12, 2018

Ms. Jordan, the daughter of a teacher, has been teaching for over 27 years. She started teaching in Brooklyn in 1989. Later, she began teaching at Ulysses Byas Elementary School in 1999. Throughout the years, she has taught several grade levels. One of her proudest moments was when a former student came back to student-teach with her. She enjoys working with her administrators, colleagues, students and parents immensely. She, also, serves as the RTA Secretary.

February 2, 2018

January 29, 2018

We are proud to recognize cleaner, Ms. Doreen Sulkow, as our Educator of the Month. Ms. Sulkow has worked for the Roosevelt School District since 1990. She has worked in every school in the district and is consistently commended for her reliability and thoroughness. Ms. Sulkow’s caring nature is especially displayed during the summer when she teaches and guides summer youth workers the skills of building maintenance. Ms. Sulkow’s daughter attended Roosevelt Schools and we’ve become very fond of her grandson, Sean.

January 22, 2018

This week's educator of the week is Roosevelt security officer, Renand "Junior" Coulanges. Mr. Coulanges has worked in Roosevelt for 12 years. During that time, he has helped teachers, students and staff by providing a safe and secure learning environment and sound supervision for Roosevelt's student athletes. Recently, Mr. Coulanges was given an award by his security supervisor, recognizing his dedication to the Roosevelt community. He also volunteers as a mentor in the Washington Rose mentoring program. When he isn't working in Roosevelt, Mr. Coulanges enjoys working out at the gym. He is currently studying to become a personal trainer.

January 16, 2018 

Ms. Piccini is an ELA teacher in the middle school. In her second year in the district, Ms. Piccini has led by example and dedicated herself to becoming a positive, enthusiastic presence in her students lives and within her school community. As a Student Council co-advisor, she has helped develop a strong student culture whereby students are actively engaged in supporting their building, the Roosevelt District, and each other.  Ms. Piccini’s commitment and service to the young people within Roosevelt Middle School is heartfelt and sincere, and will undoubtedly bring her many years of meaningful work and success.

January 8, 2018

Ms. Romero is the kindergarten bilingual teacher at Washington Rose and also works as a translator for the district.  Ms. Romero dedicates endless hours to mentoring.  She mentors teachers within her grade level and mentors all teachers within the bilingual department throughout the entire district.  She strives to work collaboratively with others by sharing information, resources, and by ensuring that the voice of everyone is heard. Her dedication is evident by the fact that she does not seek glory for what she does, instead ensuring that everyone is included.  Ms. Romero believes that she has done better for herself when she has helped elevate other teachers as well because what matters is what will benefit the students most.  This shows true dedication to our profession and makes Ms. Romero a teacher and a person who adds value to those around her in every capacity.

January 2, 2018

Ms. Ana Burgio, NBCT became Roosevelt's 7th National Board Certified teacher a few weeks ago.  Ms. Burgio is an English as a New Language teacher at Roosevelt High School. Ms. Burgio is a valued member of the Roosevelt High School team, she cares about her students, and collaborates with her colleagues to ensure her students are learning. 

We are so proud of your acomplishment Ms. Burgio, NBCT...  Congratulations!!

December 18, 2017

Mrs. Helen Hatem, NBCT became Roosevelt's 6th National Board Certified teacher this weekend.  Mrs. Hatem has been  teaching in Roosevelt for 18 years. Mrs. Hatem is a valued member of the Washington Rose team, she cares about her students, and collaborates with her colleagues. 

We are so proud of your acomplishment Mrs. Hatem, NBCT...  Congratulations!!

December 11, 2017

Mrs. Seniha Purisic is a school psychologist at Ulysses Byas Elementary school. She began working with Roosevelt School District in 2013 as an independent contractor through an agency.  She officially became an RUFSD employee in early 2015. Mrs. Purisic works collaboratively with parents, teachers, and students to provide the necessary support and address students’ learning, behavioral, and emotional needs so they can succeed. She is dedicated to helping students reach their fullest potential by continuing to foster a caring and inclusive environment for all. 

December 4, 2017

Judith Sinclair is a teacher at Ulysses Byas Elementary School, and has been teaching in the Roosevelt School District for the past 32 years. As a student, Mrs. Sinclair attended Ulysses Byas E.S. (formerly Theodore Roosevelt E.S.) and Roosevelt High School. It was her life-long endeavor to become a teacher, but never dreamed she would come back and teach in the very school that she attended as a little girl. Mrs. Sinclair has watched many of her students grow up and choose careers such as doctors, teachers, lawyers, pediatricians, engineers, social workers, and other significant professions. In addition to academics, Mrs. Sinclair continually ensures her students that they are valued and loved.

November 27, 2017

The staff and students of Washington Rose Elementary School would like to recognize Mr. Douglas Thomas for becoming Educator of the Week. Mr. Thomas is the adviser for our Boys to Men initiative which kicked off on November 4, 2017. He is often seen mentoring young men in the building and encouraging them to make good choices in life and use sports as an outlet. Mr. Thomas is huge basketball fan and loves to share his knowledge of the game with students. Congratulations Mr. Douglas Thomas.

November 20, 2017

The Washington Rose staff, students, and parents would like to recognize Mr. Delbert Dove as Educator of the Week. Mr. Dove is a consummate professional and gives his all in support of children. Not only is Mr. Dove gifted as an educator but a musician as well. He recently received an award for being the Best Traditional Male Gospel Artist for 2017. Congratulations again to a committed educator and a talented musician and singer.

November 13, 2017

Jesenia DeJesus

I have been a teacher for the Roosevelt School district since 2002 as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher after teaching for the Board of Education in the City of New York since 1997. I began my educational journey at the Borough of Manhattan Community College where I received an Associate’s degree in Human Services. While teaching in an afterschool program, I realized my passion to want to work with students and help them enjoy learning. I continued my journey and received my Bachelors of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and Master’s Degree from Brooklyn College with honors. I am the first in my family to graduate from college which inspired me to help others overcome their struggles and realize their dreams. I had the unique opportunity to begin my teaching career at the same public elementary school I attended as a student in East New York, Brooklyn. To work with and learn from the same people, I once called my teachers was a blessing.

November 6, 2017

Mr. Elmore is a 7th Grade mathematics teacher.  He finds the most rewarding part about teaching derives from the relationships he forms with the students and his ambition to make a difference in their lives. He consistently has student needs as a top priority and is always working towards greatness.

October 30, 2017

My name is Thracy Wilson. I am the Head Custodian for the Ulysses Byas Elementary School. I have been employed in the Roosevelt UFSD since 1996. I began my career as a sub-cleaner. I worked my way up to cleaner, then custodian, and finally Head Custodian. I am a resident of the Roosevelt Community and my children all advanced through the Roosevelt school system. Proudly, I serve as UPSEU President for the Custodial Bargaining Unit.

October 23, 2017

Washington Rose Elementary School goes from good to great by thinking outside the box to provide an all-inclusive fiesta or party with the introduction of a Zumba Day. Zumba was created by Alberto Perez, a Colombian bicyclist. He created this form of dance exercise for people to “work out” to music. Washington Rose teachers were inspired to bring this form of exercise to their students. Zumba certified instructor Julie Yamato volunteered to share her love of movement and physical exercise for our young people.

We had the help of Mrs. Martinelli's 4th grade bilingual class to act as mentor dancers, and to aide with the movement of groups. We also scaffolded the Zumba movements to differentiate between the different grade levels to maximize the learning experience for all students. Mrs. Martinelli and Mrs. Wiggins served as high energy Zumba co-instructors for the day.

The ENL team, Mrs. Scandaglia, Mrs. Builes, and Mrs. Wiggins, were diligent in creating the vision and high energy atmosphere for the students and staff of Washington Rose. Mrs. Galan and Ms. Rodriguez were also essential to making the day come to life.

Washington Rose Elementary, good to great! If you would like to see Washington Rose in action on Zumba Day, check out the live feed on Twitter @WeareRUFSD

October 16, 2017

Congratulations to Elementary School Counselor Daphne Marcelin who was nominated by  Centennial School as educator for the week. The students and staff would like to share with the community our appreciation for all of her hard work. She is taking the lead on Bullying Prevention Month and has organized Unity Day for school on October 25^th.  Ms. Marcelin has created Anti-Bullying discussion topics and writing activities for the month of October for students in grades 4-6. She is proactive and provides interventions with a positive approach to meet the social emotional needs of our children.

October 10, 2017

September 18, 2017

Ms. Ferris is in her 29th year of teaching in the Roosevelt Union Free School District. She started teaching pre-kindergarten in 1989 at the former Bauer Avenue Pre-Kindergarten Center and thoroughly enjoyed engaging with the youngest minds, watching them experience new things for the very first time and develop confidence and knowledge. In 1996, Ms. Ferris transferred to Ulysses Byas Elementary School and has remained there since teaching primarily kindergarten and first grade. Ms. Ferris finds teaching early childhood children fun and rewarding. She loves to see the tremendous amount of growth the younger students make each year both academically and socially. She says that the best thing about being a part of the Roosevelt community for many years is meeting former students, hearing about the wonderful accomplishments they have made and getting to meet their children, the next generation of students. Ms. Ferris is looking forward to a productive and exciting school year with her current first grade class.