MacArthur and Division HS were both recently named among the best high schools in the country by US News and World Report. Students from both schools showed residents why they deserved that honor at Tuesday night's Board of Education meeting.
A group of MacArthur HS students recently went on a trip to Peru, where they not only got to see an exotic part of the world, but did community service and learned about the Peru culture and people.
A slide show of the trip was displayed which highlighted the trip, showing The "Peru Crew 2012" engaging in various activities and community service. One highlight of the trip was when students took the time to visit Peru youth at the Santa Rosa Primary school.
Board of Education President Michael Pappas said he was proud how the students represented Levittown, saying that they did a great service to the community.
State and Regional SkillsUSA Winners Recognized
A number of Levittown students were honored for winning regional competitions in the SkillsUSA competition. SkillsUSA is a career-technical student organization which serves students in high school and college post-secondary. Their mission is to "help its members become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens," according to their website.
In the 2012 Area VI Regional Competition (Long Island), three students from MacArthur HS and two from Division HS placed first: From MacArthur, Ryan Conway on the health knowledge bowl/team, Megan Dockweiler in commercial banking, and Rebecca Gula on the health knowledge bowl team. From Division, Christian Hickey and Anthony Vanella on the health knowledge bowl/team.
Taking first place at the state level were two MacArthur HS students - Megan Dockweiler again for commercial banking, while Shaelyn Nimal won for 3D visualization and animation.
LAP Program Tuition Rates Debated
The board discussed tuition rates for the Levittown After School Program (LAP) and talked about possibly restructuring the rates.
The program is designed to offer working parents an after school childcare facility. The program serves children currently enrolled in grades K-6 who reside in the Levittown School District and attend Levittown Schools, according to the school website.
One of the reasons for the need of restructuring the rates is because they hope to move to an automated payment system next year completely.
"Our structure now is quite complicated, so it would work out easier if they could charge one fee for all of our students," said Assistant Superintendent Debbie Rifkin.
The issue with the proposed tuition rates presented is the three and five day programs for three children. For three children, five days, the current proposed monthly tuition collected would be $375, an increase of $45 from last year. For three children and three days, it is also $375 – an increase of $155.
"One of the problems we also experienced is that we staff the program for five days regardless because we never really know what days parents are sending the students when they come for three days," Rifkin said. "So that’s why it’s more profitable for the program if we have a one payment, one price deal."
Two children, and three days would see an increase of $90, to $250 total. Two children, five days, is the same cost of $250, an increase of $10.
Pappas didn't approve of the tuition proposal presented.
"It's still is a major jump, that’s going to hurt some families,” he said. "For a person that has three children, your asking for a week’s worth of groceries off the table – I’d like to see the increase lower."
Resident Asks for Teacher to Be Recognized
John Garvey requested during the public comments section that Levittown elementary school teacher Diane Chapman be recognized by the board for her accomplishments as a coach.
Chapman coaches both field hockey and girls lacrosse at Garden City HS. She's won seven consecutive Long Island Championship's in field hockey and several in girls lacrosse, according to Garvey.
"I know that the board will often recognize the achievements of outstanding employees who work here at the district...a lot of the times what they do on the outside, will translate to things are that really good for students here as well," Garvey said.
The Garden City girls lacrosse team is currently ranked No. 10 in the nation by MaxPreps.
"Diane Chapman is an outstanding person in addition to that she’s an outstanding coach.... She’s one of ours, somebody needs to recognize her," he said.
Budget Vote Reminder
The board would like to remind residents that the budget vote takes place on Tuesday, May 15 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents can vote at the following locations - Gardiners Ave., East Broadway, LMEC, and Division HS.
What do you think of the proposed tuition increases for the LAP program? Tell us in the comments below.
Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.
