emphasize academic readiness and the social and emotional skills critical for thriving in school and beyond. “Our Universal Pre-K program collaborates with five community-based organizations,” explains Dr. Dana Boshnack, the district’s Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. “This year, we centralized the screening process across all these providers to ensure consistency, even as each facility maintains some flexibility in their curriculum.” These efforts include benchmarking and aligning assessments with state and federal guidelines, allowing the district to monitor progress while building a supportive learning environment. The district’s holistic growth efforts extend into its K-5 classrooms, where teachers are fully trained in the Responsive Classroom approach. “This method explicitly teaches social skills,” Boshnack notes. “From morning meetings to structured activities, teachers use developmentally appropriate strategies that engage students in academics and interpersonal interactions.” By providing choices and adapting to individual needs, the district creates a learning environment that respects students’ developmental journey. One of the district’s defining strengths lies in its focus on cultivating a sense of belonging. “You’ll see it in every classroom,” says Boshnack, describing practices like greeting each other by name and making eye contact. These seemingly small acts are woven into the fabric of the school day, reinforcing a sense of community and mutual respect.“It starts young—teaching children the value of connection and communication—and extends throughout our schools and the district as a whole.” CAREER PREPARATION AND STUDENT ENRICHMENT Northport-East Northport Union Free School District’s robust offerings extend beyond traditional academics, equipping students with tangible skills and real-world experiences. “We’re fortunate to have a community that supports our schools,” says Moyer, highlighting the district’s extensive range of programs. “At the high school level, we offer a wide array of electives and 235 clubs and activities.These e Elementary School in the Northport-East Northport lizing interactive coding robots called Spheros. 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02
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