Dear Island Trees School Community,
 
Please see the messages, as well as the calendar of events & activities below: 

The Island Trees Investment 🌱💰

Over the years, your investment in the Island Trees School District has made a meaningful difference. During the Great Recession, the district faced significant challenges beyond budget constraints -- test scores and graduation rates trailed many of our Nassau County neighbors, and our facilities were beginning to show their age.

Today, the story is very different.

Island Trees has experienced a true revitalization. According to Niche school rankings, our district is now placed in the top 3% of schools in America. Our Advanced Placement program continues to thrive, with participation rates now the highest in the district’s history and student performance reaching new heights. In addition, our advanced graduation rates -- New York’s gold standard -- are consistently among the highest in our region of Nassau County, surpassing many neighboring districts. This marks a significant shift from where we stood over a decade ago.

Equally important is the transformation of our school environment. Our buildings and facilities are now among the finest in Nassau County. We regularly receive positive feedback from visitors and community members about how well-maintained and welcoming our schools are. These improvements provide a safe, modern, and inspiring setting for both students and staff.

This progress reflects the strength of our community and your continued support. Together, we have built a district that our students, families, and community can be proud of -- and one that continues to move forward.


 

If At First You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again 🎓

College admissions can be incredibly competitive, and not every student is accepted into their first-choice school right away. But it’s important for families to remember -- this is not the end of the road if your child truly wants their dream school.

Each year, we see students take alternative paths and still reach their goals. Some begin at another college, work hard, and reapply a year or two later -- often with great success. Persistence coupled with strong academic performance can open the dream school door later on.

Recently, I heard about an Island Trees graduate who had their heart set on a highly selective, Top 30 university. Although they were not accepted out of high school, they didn’t give up. Instead, they enrolled in a nearby college known for strong transfer opportunities. With focus and determination, they excelled academically -- and ultimately earned admission to their dream school. 

The lesson is simple: setbacks can become stepping stones. With the right mindset, students can still achieve their goals.

If there is a will, there is a way. 💪✨



Enhancing Safety & Attendance: New Student Identification System for 2026–2027 🎓

As we continue to prioritize the safety and security in our schools, Island Trees secondary schools will be implementing a new student identification system beginning next school year.

You may have seen reports from other districts where individuals not enrolled in a school were able to blend into the student population. Our goal is to be proactive in ensuring that everyone in our buildings is easily identifiable and accounted for throughout the day.
Beginning in September, all students will be issued identification badges that must be worn during the school day. These badges will be used to “tap in” for attendance in key areas such as:

• Lobby Entrances🏫
• Classrooms 📚
• Cafeteria 🍎
• Library 📖
• Bathrooms 🚻

This system will help us ensure that students moving throughout our hallways are where they are supposed to be and are members of our school community.
We will be utilizing the MOOV platform, a comprehensive school safety and engagement system already used in many schools across the county. This platform allows staff to quickly and efficiently:

• Monitor student attendance and movement in real time 
• Manage hall passes digitally 
• Identify students using handheld scanners 
• Enhance visitor screening and building security 

Why this matters:

• ✅ Strengthens school safety and security
• ✅ Improves attendance accuracy
• ✅ Helps staff quickly identify students and visitors

We understand that this is a change, but it is one that reflects our commitment to maintaining a safe and structured learning environment for all students.

More details, including expectations and procedures, will be shared as we get closer to the start of the school year.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping Island Trees schools safe and strong. 💙
 

 

It’s Time to Celebrate!
 
Congratulations to the Island Trees school community for winning the Best Communities for Music Education Award from the NAMM Foundation.  Strike up the band! 
 
Next Week’s Calendar
 
Tuesday, April 28 – Board of Education Meeting, Karopczyc, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 28 – 8th Grade Trip Parent Meeting, MMS, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 30 – SEPTA Meeting, MMS, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 30 – PTA Founder’s Day and Honorary Life Awards District Dinner, Heritage Club at Bethpage GC, 5:30 p.m. start
 
 
Athletics Game Schedule Link
https://www.islandtrees.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=415372&type=d&termREC_ID=&pREC_ID=767844
 
 
Island Trees Home Page – Parent Square Link and Pop-Up
https://islandtrees.org/
 
 
Island Trees Social Media Sites
 
Twitter/X - Sparke School
@SparkeShines
https://twitter.com/SparkeShines
 
Twitter/X - Stokes School
@WeRStokes
 
Twitter/X - MMS
https://twitter.com/IslandtreesMMS
 
Twitter/X – Special Education
IT_SpecialEd
 
Island Trees High School
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/islandtreeshs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IslandtreesHS/
 
Instagram – Athletics
islandtreesathletics
 
Island Trees Curriculum and Instruction Instagram:
islandtreeslearns
https://www.instagram.com/islandtreeslearns/
 
 
Two-Week Calendar Look Ahead
 
Monday, May 4 – 5-8 Math Assessment Day 1, MMS
Monday, May 4 – AP Exams Begin, ITHS
Monday, May 4 – Grades 7/8 Concert, ITHS, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 5 – National Teacher Appreciation Day
Tuesday, May 5 – 5-8 Math Assessment Day 2, MMS
Tuesday, May 5 – Budget Hearing, Karopczyc, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 6 – National School Nurse Day
Wednesday, May 6 – HS Shared Decision-Making Team, ITHS, 2:15 p.m.
Wednesday, May 6 – Stokes Special Person Boutique 
Wednesday, May 6 – 8th Grade Washington DC Trip Departs 
Thursday, May 7 – Kindergarten Orientation 
Thursday, May 7 – MMS Shared Decision-Making Team, MMS, 2:45 p.m.
Friday, May 8 – Sparke Special Person Boutique 
Friday, May 8 – 8th Grade Washington DC Trip Returns
 
Sunday, May 10 – Happy Mother’s Day