The Island Trees School District showed star power at the 59^th Annual New York State English Council Conference

in Albany on October 22 and 23, 2009.  Ten kindergarten teachers made presentations on the writer's workshop approach to writing process for their colleagues from around the state.  Sparke Elementary School

teachers: Danielle Aniano, Jennifer Conklin, and Deborah Mahler, and Stokes Elementary School

teachers: Stephanie D'Alto, Liz Grillo, Denise Kern, Leigh Minotto, Pat Roaldsen, Christine Saporito and

Trish Springer clearly and effectively explained how they have taught their kindergarten students to become

readers and writers through this workshop approach.  They mesmerized their audiences.  Mrs. Jean Ryan,

Director of Reading/Stokes Assistant Principal and Dr. Susan Kelly, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, said,

The presentations these teachers made on a state level are yet more evidence that Island Trees has an  excellent

teaching staff who work diligently to have each child achieve success, especially in the area of literacy.

Two Island Trees School District educators were honored on the state level at the recent New York State English

Council Conference in Albany. 

Also attending the conference were high school teachers: Claudia Connor, and Laura Martingano,

Elizabeth Roemer, and Lori Christensen. 

Congratulations to all these fine Island Trees educators!

Mrs. Elizabeth Roemer, English teacher at Island Trees High School, was granted an Educator of Excellence Award.

Only three of these awards were given in the state this year.  Mrs. Roemer received the award for her masterful

teaching in the classroom and for her leadership in the English Departments at the Island Trees

Memorial Middle School and at Island Trees High School. 

Dr. Susan Kelly, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Island Trees School District, was also honored. 

She was granted the Fellow Award by the NYSEC Council.  This award is given to only one person in

New York each year for making a difference in English education in the state, for outstanding leadership, and

for dedication to the New York State English Council.

(photo left to right: Dr. Susan Kelly and Mrs. Elizabeth Roemer)