Nassau BOCES and the Nassau Assocation of School Technologists Present
Recognizing Nassau Association of School Technologists Award Recipients for their innovation and exemplary technology leadership in district and beyond. June 9, 2022
MEET THE NASTARS!
Mary Brower Diocese of Rockville Centre
Jack Bixhorn Oyster Bay - East Norwich CSD
Ms. Mary Brower is currently the assistant principal of St. Agnes Cathedral School in Rockville Centre. Ms. Brower served as the school’s technology teacher and coordinator for over 15 years and provided engaging and dynamic technology lessons to her students. She has always been a resource and support for teachers in other schools. Ms. Brower oversaw the development of the updated technology scope and sequence for diocesan schools and will work with diocesan leadership to implement the NYS Computer Science / Digital Fluency Standards in schools. Ms. Brower’s knowledge and expertise, as well as kind and caring nature, has made her an invaluable resource for diocesan schools.
Mr. Jack Bixhorn joined the Oyster - Bay East Norwich district administrative team in March, 2022. Since that time Mr. Bixhorn launched district-wide online screeners and benchmarks for every grade and empowered teachers to launch tools for individualized skill and application practice. Technology is used in new Math performance tasks and cooperative learning activities because of Mr. Bixhorn’s work. The Oyster Bay - East Norwich learning community has benefited from Mr. Bixhorn’s ability to excite and empower their instructional community in their use of technology for student learning.
Stacey Bowden Plainview - Old Bethpage CSD
Ms. Stacey Bowden is a 6th grade Math and Science teacher at Plainview - Old Bethpage Middle School, and is an instructional technology leader in her classroom, grade level, and school building. Ms. Bowden is an expert in many different educational technology platforms and has a keen eye for aesthetics and fun by incorporating B itmoji characters in almost everything she creates for her students. Overall, Ms. Bowden has gone above and beyond, incorporating instructional technology within her classroom, and has become a go-to teacher at Plainview - Old Bethpage Middle School for technology integration and innovation, within her classroom and beyond.
Margeaux Calemmo Garden City UFSD
Ms. Margaux Calemmo is an innovator, a district tech leader, a life- l ong learner and Garden City High School’s Library Media Specialist. Ms. Calemmo’s library is a hub of the school for both teachers and students. She has also created an amazing and very popular Library Makerspace that includes everything from crochet projects to 3D printing. Ms. Calemmo frequently helps teachers with technology needs and is always finding and promoting great tools that would further student learning. She is often found at Library or Tech conferences as a presenter on new technologies, new ideas in Library Media Science and digital citizenship. Ms. Calemmo is an incredible asset to the Garden City district and they feel lucky to have her.
TECHSTARS
As a fourth grade teacher at Long Beach’s East School, Mr. Edward Courtney has quickly proven to be a leader in technology and curriculum within the past three years. Mr. Courtney has provided on-going support in the use of several tech tools and enhances educational experiences for students through a variety of technological platforms while he seamlessly infuses technology as part of his math instruction. He tackles new technology platforms and supports staff and administrators, leading presentations to staff and to parents districtwide. As a Level I Google Certified teacher, Mr. Courtney taught staff and administrators how to create a virtual Google Classroom in an effort to bridge the home school connection and to engage students during the pandemic. He always can be seen dressing in character or according to the theme for wellness week, Festival Fun Week, and Spirit Week. Long Beach is thankful for his spirit and support. Edward Courtney Long Beach CSD MEET THE NASTARS!
SIMPLY THE BEST
Inservice Institute since 2014, before she became a Technology Staff Developer. As she prepares to return to teaching Social Studies full-time, Great Neck wants to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Gallagher for her years of hard work and dedication that directly influenced the success of the iPad program at North High School. Great Neck was incredibly lucky to have her as part of their technology team for as long as they did and will greatly miss her creative problem solving, collaborative attitude, and kind demeanor.
Heather Graham Valley Stream 30 UFSD
Ms. Heather Graham has been a teacher leader for Valley Stream 30 for quite some time, specifically in the focus of instructional technology implementation. She always puts student needs first and is constantly exploring new and innovative ways to utilize technology within her classroom. Ms. Graham is a team player and shares all best practices with her colleagues. She is an intrical part of Valley Stream 30’s Technology Committee and is relied on heavily to collaborate with administrators to investigate new ways to propel the district forward using technology. NASTARS ARE ROCKSTARS!
Samantha Gallagher Great Neck UFSD
Ms. Samantha Gallagher has been an integral part of the technology program in Great Neck for many years. She has spent the last six years working as a Technology Staff Developer at Great Neck North High School, supporting about 1,200 students and 200 staff members as they work and teach with technology every day. Ms. Gallagher was one of the earliest adopters of the 1:1 iPad Program at North High School and has been teaching technology-related courses for the GNPS
MEET THE NASTARS!
Harold Gutierrez Evergreen Charter School
Kathleen Jay Syosset CSD
Mr. Harold Gutierrez has seamlessly and consistently incorporated technology into his music classroom and productions. His innovative ideas and initiatives have been appreciated by the school community. With limitations for in person concerts and assemblies, Mr. Gutierrez created multimedia presentations shared and posted to the school’s website. His level of commitment and dedication has been evident with the sophistication of such projects and should be commended.
Ms. Kathleen Jay is an incredible trainer and person, giving 110% of herself to our staff and students. No disability is too great for Ms. Jay to find a solution for that child to learn in the classroom. She will spend night and day searching for the perfect app or resource to assist our students in learning. Ms. Jay always has a smile on her face no matter how difficult the day will be or how overflowing her caseload may be. She always finds time to let us pick her brain to help us solve a problem. Our district cannot imagine having anyone else as our Assistive Tech person and feel so fortunate to work with her.
Casey Hauptman Freeport UFSD
Ms. Casey Hauptman is the epitome of an educational technology specialist and is a leader in the field. She skillfully blends content with technology to create opportunities for students that promote voice, choice, and authentic application of skill. Through her work with colleagues in all eight buildings in Freeport Schools, Ms. Hauptman’s outgoing and optimistic can-do attitude serves as her foundation when working with the tech enthusiasts and the tech resistant. Her leadership and innovator’s mindset stewards the district forward with purposeful integration of technology that enhances student learning and teaching practices of our staff. Working alongside Ms. Hauptman has been a profound honor. Her skillful leadership has left a lasting impact on Freeport and will continue in Franklin Square where she will serve as the Director of Technology, Innovation and Data. Franklin Square is very lucky to have her!
Wayne Jensen East Williston UFSD
When I think of Mr. Wayne Jensen’s success as the Director of Social Studies and Real World Learning, I think of reflection and hard work: agility, divergent thinking and digital leadership. Mr. Jensen’s commitment to reflection and growth are inspiring to watch. He is a deep thinker who constantly seeks innovative avenues for student learning. As a digital leader, Mr. Jensen tinkers and explores using technology to not only enhance his work, but to creatively impact his teachers and our students. He is quick to help set up technology for events, ensure outside presenters are equipped with needed hardware, or to inform his colleagues of a how to digitize a task. His disarming approach is one that captures any audience. Wayne Jensen is a born digital leader and a true East Williston NASTAR.
MEET THE NASTARS!
GAME CHANGERS
Amy Leo Jericho UFSD
the 1:1 laptop program that now supports all learners in our K-12 environment. Dr. Lynch was an integral part of ensuring the support of all students during the COVID pandemic that radically transformed our instructional model. We thank him for his dedication and service to our district and to our technology programs.
Ms. Amy Leo has always been well respected and well regarded in the Jericho district. Her attitude, diligence, and sense of humor are vital elements of a happy workplace. Ms. Leo often goes above and beyond the call of duty, offering assistance in ways big and small. During the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, no one in the tech department helped more parents through their technological struggles. After the pandemic subsided, Ms. Leo took on extra work without issue, always performed at a high-level, and made the tech department shine thanks to her efforts. We hope Ms. Leo is aware of the incredible impact she’s had both on the tech department and on the families of Jericho.
Mr. Peter Niceforo Manhasset UFSD
Mr. Peter Niceforo was hired shortly before the pandemic hit New York and everything shut down. His “first day” occurred on March 23, 2020, one week into the lockdown. Mr. Niceforo immediately jumped in with both “virtual” feet. He has proven to be very hard working, conscientious, and always willing to go the extra mile for our district. We thank him for his support and dedication to the Manhasset School District.
Ms. Sylvia Kallich Uniondale UFSD
Ms. Sylvia Kallich completely embraces technology and is constantly looking for ways to use technology to make things easier for her nurses and the Uniondale School District administrators, teachers, students and parents. During COVID she learned how to use Google forms and designed forms to help the district capture data. As we transition to Schoology, she has maximized the platform and trained her nurses on how to use it. We recently adopted FamilyID and again she has been a leader in its use. She is a Tech Leader!!
Darlene O’Hearon East Meadow UFSD
Ms. Darlene O’Hearon is Bowling Green Elementary’s computer superwoman! In addition to teaching a full schedule of classes, she is the go-to person for anything related to technology. When Ms. O’Hearon is not teaching or planning, she is troubleshooting teacher tech issues, fixing student devices, preparing insurance claims, and organizing PD. In the classroom, she is always willing to try new technology and introduce new applications and programs to her students. Throughout the building she is always willing to lend a helping hand. It is with great pleasure that East Meadow recognizes Ms. O’Hearon as a NASTAR!
Dr. Paul Lynch Lynbrook UFSD
Dr. Paul Lynch has guided the technology programs for Lynbrook Public Schools for more than a decade. He helped usher in
MEET THE NASTARS!
I8 n OVATORS
Frank Seier East Rockaway UFSD
Mr. Frank Seier has been with East Rockaway Schools for about 20 years and has seen the district through a variety of initiatives and improvements. Twenty years is impressive by any measure, but in “tech years” it speaks volumes. Mr. Seier’s knowledge and passion for infrastructure, capable devices, safety/ security, and cutting edge technology has served as a catalyst for the student success and engagement we’re seeing throughout our classrooms. He is truly East Rockaway’s NASTAR!
to share with her colleagues. Her lessons are creative, dynamic, engaging, and purposeful. Ms. Swicord was a member of the panel to vet new interactive whiteboard technology, infused KidOyo to support coding during library media center, and will coach the Kramer Lane Koders, the school’s very own hackathon team! She is also vital to the success of the 1:1 Google Chromebook initiative at Kramer Lane as the point person for troubleshooting and support. Ms. Swicord is a valued member of the Bethpage school community and a NASTAR!
Maria Sidor Locust Valley CSD
Ms. Maria Sidor is an integral part to our Locust Valley Elementary community. She assists teachers and students with integrating and using technology each and every day. Ms. Sidor is a life-long learner who is always willing to help out and take on challenges. Her willingness and positive attitude when assisting the district with everything tech related, from a/v set-ups to helping out with our KidOyo hackathon teams, is appreciated by all. She is the epitome of a ‘tech rock star’ in Locust Valley and a NASTECH NASTAR!
Christine Talbot North Merrick UFSD
Ms. Christine Talbot has been recognized for her efforts to integrate instructional technologies and research-based STEAM projects to promote inquiry- based learning. She has chaired several technology committees and action teams within the district that involved the collaboration and shared decision-making of key educational and community stakeholders. She provides district-wide staff development, leading teachers to integrate current instructional technology tools in the classroom to increase student engagement and achievement. Ms. Talbot has supported her colleagues’ professional growth and empowered teachers to feel motivated and successful as they enter the next generation in education . North Merrick is proud to recognize her as a NASTECH NASTAR!
Andrea Swicord Bethpage UFSD
Ms. Andrea Swicord is innovative and one of the first to be willing to try and infuse a new tool to support teaching and learning at Kramer Lane Elementary School and
MEET THE NASTARS!
Giselle Taylor Glen Cove CSD
Dena Zornberg New Hyde Park-Garden City Park UFSD
Ms. Giselle Taylor is an asset to the Glen Cove City School District community. Ms. Taylor goes above and beyond to help ALL stakeholders. In one day she can be seen teaching a teacher how to use a new software product, troubleshooting an issue on a student’s Chromebook, helping a secretary with something on their computer, and calling a parent to support remote or hybrid instruction. Ms. Taylor supports colleagues, conducts push in lessons with students, holds one- on-one sessions with teachers, and is always available to tackle any task that is presented to her. The Glen Cove Technology Department would not be as successful as it is without Ms. Taylor’s hard work and dedication . T he district is proud to honor her as a NASTAR.
Ms. Dena Zornberg is one of the New Hyde Park- Garden City Park’s finest when it comes to incorporating exemplary technology into her first grade classroom at the Garden City Park School. On a daily basis, she affords her students multiple opportunities to research, collaborate and raise their level of learning through a variety of technology tools. Ms. Zornberg seamlessly integrates newly adopted applications such as Padlet, Nearpod and Book Creator after electively attending professional development offered through the district. It is educators like Ms. Zornberg who facilitate the successful use of technology and innovation making the New Hyde Park- Garden City Park district proud to recognize her as a NASTAR!
Robin Wilensky North Shore Hebrew Academy
Ms. Robin Wilensky is a tireless innovator of educational technology at North Shore Hebrew Academy, constantly implementing new ideas and collecting feedback. She is always patient and unwavering in her commitment to the educational and technological needs of students and the faculty. North Shore Hebrew Academy is thankful for all of Ms. Wilensky’s support and is proud to select her as North Shore Hebrew’s Academy’s first NASTECH NASTAR!
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR NASTARS AND NASTECH MEMBERS!
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