Quogue Board of Education Notes

Tuesday night's Quogue Board of Ed meeting was chock full of good news. After some light housekeeping, like approving the appointment of a new custodian and last month's minutes, the Board had a chance to hear a report from Superintendent Benson, which included an update on the school’s playground plan, and a presentation from three teachers who are integrating Spanish into the first-grade curriculum.

Superintendent Benson’s Monthly Review

Superintendent Benson shared a lot of good news in his monthly report, starting with Southampton Police department’s continued work with the six-grade DARE program.

Its official! The Quogue School will soon get a new greenhouse and according to Superintendent Benson,  the design and site have already been chosen. "We have electricity and water right outside the fifth and sixth-grade classrooms, so we are set to go," added Benson.

In addition to the new greenhouse, students will soon be launching a school newspaper.

Benson also noted that Westhampton Beach school has started its  new drop-off pattern, which after the first week has worked out great.

When addressing the State’s proposed 2% property tax-cap, Benson said, “We dont know if that hard cap will be implemented, but we have been discussing it along with the new budget. The other districts are considering staff cutbacks, but we are working real hard to keep things the way they are.”

Integrating Spanish into the First-Grade Curriculum

During a presentation given by Quogue teachers Mrs. Phillips, Mrs. Ryan and Mrs. Russel, the Board had the opportunity to see how Spanish is being integrated into the first-grade’s daily morning lessons. According to Spanish teacher Senora Phillips it is a unique program happening at Quogue School and early-childhood development research shows there are many benefits to learning a second language at a young age, such as an increased aptitude in other subjects and improved test scores.  

Pike's Peak Playground

During the executive session, Board members voted to commit a portion of the school’s emergency funds to help with the purchase of a new school play structure. Several members of the PTA’s playground committee were on-hand to hear the good news and were very happy for the Board's cooperation in the ongoing playground renovation project.

In late 2010, the school’s insurance deemed the existing playground structure a hazard, as per NYS and Federal regulations. With the playground structure condemned, PTA parents formed a playground committee.  Concerned about its choke hazards and toxic coating, parents mobilized to remove the play equipment.

"The Barry family, who owns Precision Excavating, volunteered to remove the old play structure," said Tracy Duke, the PTA’s co-president, “so right now, we are looking to install a new one. Surprisingly play structures price out $25,000 and up, and then another 35% for the installation of a safety surface. Its very expensive.” Duke added.

 Having already raised $12,000 for the new Pike Peak playground structure, the committee is now looking for a financial angel to help with an additional $30,000 needed to complete their project.

"We launched a website to get the community involved and additional donations," said Paul Insalco, a playground committee member, “The short term need is about $30,000. Which would  help us to buy and install all new playground equipment by the end of the month.”

To make a donation to Quogue school’s playground project or for more information visit www.REPLACEOURPLAYGROUND.ORG