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

Thank you for your continued support of the Island Trees School District. We are grateful to our residents for taking the time to vote and for your ongoing commitment to our students, staff, and schools.  We are pleased to share that the 2026-27 school budget was approved, the capital project proposition passed, and the Island Trees Public Library lease extension was also approved.  

Additionally, Michael Rich Jr. and Ted Maleska were reelected to the Board of Education.  Congratulations to newcomer Anthony Rotondo for his election night win as well.....Welcome "a-Board".    

Your support allows us to continue providing outstanding educational opportunities for our students while maintaining and improving the facilities and programs that benefit our entire community.

Thank you for your dedication to Island Trees!
 


Island Trees - Levittown Memorial Day Parade

The Island Trees - Levittown Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 25, at 10:00 a.m., beginning at Island Trees Memorial Middle School. We encourage our entire school community to line the parade route along Hempstead Turnpike.

The parade will kick off at the middle school and conclude at Levittown Veterans Memorial Park, located next to the Levittown Library. The march will feature school bands, student booster clubs, youth athletic associations, several fire departments, representatives from all military branches, and -- most importantly -- our honorable Levittown veterans.

Memorial Day is more than just a three-day weekend. It is a time to come together as a community to honor and remember those who gave so much for our country. We hope you will join us in this important day of remembrance.

*The bands will not march in the rain - a decision would be made prior to the start of the parade.  
 
 


Students Learning Independence

From my weekly newsletter to parents, many of you know how much our staff values independence in students. We’re consistently impressed by students who advocate for themselves -- whether that means addressing an issue with a peer, speaking with a teacher, or working through a challenge with their guidance counselor.

Last year, we saw a growing number of students taking ownership of their situations and managing them directly with staff. One common example happens when a student finds themselves scheduled to take three tests on the same day. At the high school level, it’s simply not possible for teachers to coordinate testing calendars across every subject. What stands out is when students recognize this, speak up, and approach their teachers to explain the situation. In many cases, they arrange to take one exam a day later in the testing center, ensuring they can perform at their best. That kind of self-advocacy is powerful -- and it works.

These moments help students learn, grow, and mature. Some begin developing these skills early, while for others it starts in ninth grade. I’m especially encouraged when a student reaches out to meet with me directly to discuss an issue -- they’re learning to handle things on their own, and I always try to schedule those conversations quickly to support and reinforce that mindset.

Building Expectations for Success at Home
 
Success in school often begins with the expectations children hear and see at home. When families emphasize the importance of learning and encourage students to give their best effort, children are more likely to take school seriously and work toward success.
 
It is also important for children to understand why their education matters. Strong reading, writing, and math skills open doors and provide a foundation for future learning, careers, and everyday life. The habits students develop now can benefit them for many years to come.
 
Families play a powerful role by talking positively about school, encouraging good study habits, and staying involved in their child’s learning. When a student is struggling, it can be helpful to reflect on how much time and focus are being devoted to schoolwork. A quiet and supportive learning environment can make a significant difference. During the school week, limiting distractions such as televisions, phones, gaming systems, music, and other devices can help students stay focused and productive.
 
Children pay close attention to what their parents value. When parents praise effort, celebrate improvement, and speak positively about education, children begin to value those things as well. The time and dedication students put into learning today can create opportunities and success for the future.
 
 
 
 
How to Raise a Reader
 
 
 
Week’s Calendar
 
Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day – Schools Closed
Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day Parade, MMS, 10:00 a.m. (start)
Tuesday, May 26 – PTSA Meeting, MMS, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 27 – Performing Arts Banquet, VFW Post 516 Farmingdale, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 28 – Varsity Athletic Awards, ITHS, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 28 – Literacy Experience for Incoming Kindergarten Students, Sparke
Friday, May 29 – Stokes Field Day
 
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, June 1 – HS Bands Concert, ITHS, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 2 – HS Senior Awards, ITHS, 6:15 p.m.
Wednesday, June 3 – IT Elementary PTA Volunteer Recognition, Stokes, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 4 – MMS Shared Decision Making, MMS, 2:45 p.m.
Friday, June 5 – MMS Personal Best Awards, MMS, 7:45 a.m.
 
 
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