Oyster Bay’s Theodore Roosevelt School marked a special occasion on Oct. 26, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new wing, perfectly timed to honor the legacy of its namesake, President Theodore Roosevelt, whose birthday would follow the next day on Oct. 27. The event, held in the school’s gymnasium, brought together building administrators, parents, students and members of the Board of Education, all celebrating the latest addition to the school on this momentous weekend.

The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Deputy Superintendent Ms. Maureen Raynor, who acknowledged the community’s crucial support in making the new space possible. In keeping with the patriotic spirit, second graders Jack Kotowski and Madelyn Akel led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a beautiful rendition of America the Beautiful and the school song, conducted by music teacher Ms. Brenda Murphy and performed by Theodore Roosevelt’s second graders.

Principal Ms. Devra Small, Board of Education member Ms. Nancy Castrogiovanni, and Superintendent Dr. Francesco Ianni each spoke about the importance of the new wing, thanking the community for their support in the 2021 bond vote and expressing excitement for the new opportunities this space will bring to the students.

After the indoor ceremony, attendees gathered in the new courtyard for the ribbon-cutting, led by Dr. Ianni, followed by an open house of the eight new classrooms and various support spaces, which house the school's first full-day pre-kindergarten program. The new wing stands as a fitting tribute to Roosevelt's spirit of progress and commitment to future generations, just in time for his 166th birthday.

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Date Added: 10/28/2024