DP schools take a walk on the Green side

In a bold new green step, the Deer Park School District will recycle the usual suspects—aluminum, plastic and paper—and at the same time, save money.

Last year, the Town offered school districts, fire districts and libraries the opportunity to hop on board the recycling bandwagon — or sanitation truck. On November 1, Deer Park Union Free School District will be the first entity to take them up on the offer to use Town carting and recycling services.

Not only is this program good for the environment but it is also good for taxpayers' pocketbooks, said school officials. The Town and district estimate this venture will save the school $50,000 in carting costs.

The Town can offer these services at a discounted rate due to improved technology at their processing plant. The Covanta Facility processes 750 tons per day of solid waste and generates up to 17 megawatts of renewable energy that is sold to LIPA, according to a Town press release. Because of a projected increase in processed waste — and more megawatts to sell to LIPA —theTown can offer these carting services at a discounted rate.

"I applaud the efforts of the Town of Babylon to ensure that recycling is taking place within our schools," said Dennis Ryan, president of the Deer Park School Board.

"We've been wanting to move forward into this area for some time," said Gene Levenstein, the interim assistant superintendent of business and operations for Deer Park Schools. "We had not been into recycling officially, and had been putting everything out with the trash."

Throughout this process, students have been at the heart of it all, explained Levenstein. Along with this new recycling program, students approached the board last year to complain about non-biodegradable trays being used and dumped in the cafeteria. This year, the district negotiated a new contract with a food service company named ARAMARK, insisting on a change. "Now everything is biodegradable," said Levenstein. "Students realize the importance of recycling and protecting the planet," said Town Supervisor Steve Bellone. "The Town has created a solution to the recycling issue which will offer both recycling and carting services to school districts, libraries and fire companies/districts at a significant discount. This is a win-win for all involved."

At the last school board meeting, Girl Scouts approached the microphone about the new recycling program, popping their questions like bubble gum. Later, they agreed to encourage students to recycle at school.

"We want to help," said Lauren Patino, 12, a student at Robert Frost Middle School in Deer Park. "We are going to make sure people put papers in the recycling bin."

"Being Girl Scouts, we want to make a difference in the world," said Samantha Guttadauria, 12, who also attends the middle school.

In other business: •Marguerite Jimenez—a former treasurer for Kings Park Central School District and a CPA for 15 years—will assume the role of assistant superintendent of business and operations for the district Oct. 27. She will replace the interim assistant superintendent, Gene Levenstein.

"I will be in charge of the business aspects of the school district," said Jimenez. Some of her jobs will include working with the superintendent and board on the budget, tracking revenue, and working with the transportation, building and grounds department. She recently received an advanced certificate in school business leadership from Dowling College.

"I am looking forward to working with the administration and board of education maintaining fiscal integrity of Deer Park Schools," said Jimenez. "I am hoping for a long and fruitful career at Deer Park." •The Booster Club has always given local sports a boost; now they'll give football prices a boost. As agreed upon by the school board on September 23, the Booster Club will now charge $2 per adult at all home football games.

"A lot of schools do this to generate funds," said Mike Berish, treasurer of the Deer Park Booster Club. He estimates up to 600 people come to each of the four home football games.

The Booster Club raises funds for school athletics, not funded by the budget such as uniforms and scholarship awards for senior athletes. •Deer Park elementary school teachers will be arriving early to school this year as part of a district initiative to teach teachers. While the middle school and high school teachers find time during their school day to meet with each other in free periods, elementary school teachers don't have that luxury.

By meeting a half hour before the busses come, it gives them the time to meet as a team and learn together, explained Eva Demyen, deputy superintendent of curriculum, instruction, personnel, and professional development.

Three days each week, the district will provide instruction on important educational issues such as SMART BOARDS (computerized chalkless boards), differentiated instruction, literacy circles and other workshops. On the remaining two days, teachers can collaborate with their colleagues. Teachers may also give extra help to students on these two days.

While many teachers already take various classes after school for state or district requirements, this program ensures that all teachers have the same basic foundation, explained Demyen.

"We wanted to do this so everyone was getting the same type of professional development," Demyen said. "Now through this initiative set forth by the district, the teachers are all involved in the same staff development and we can focus on where the real needs are."

The next regular Deer Park school board work session will be held Nov. 18 and the next open meeting will be held Nov. 25, at JF Kennedy School. The meetings begin at 8 p.m.