The Parent-Teacher Associations at Meadow Elementary School in Baldwin and Edna Louise Spear Elementary School in Port Jefferson have been named county winners in a contest challenging them to foster a love of reading among students — with Meadow taking home the statewide title.

The two PTAs were the Nassau and Suffolk champions, respectively, in the New York State PTA’s 2025 Pick a Reading Partner (PARP) Program, a literacy initiative widely known as PARP, that asks adults to read with children for at least 20 minutes a day.

Meadow’s PTA beat out five other regional winners to become the state’s overall winner in August.

“What we planned this year was very intentional,” said Meadow PTA co-president Sophea Sainsurin. “It was like, how can we really use PARP as a vehicle to build family and school partnerships?”

Meadow’s PARP theme, titled “Meadow Candyland — Reading Is a Sweet Treat,” included a kick-off assembly in which the district’s middle schoolers who starred in a spring production of “Willy Wonka Jr.” performed a reading-themed skit and read children’s books to the elementary schoolers. Other activities included weekly guest readers — including some parents who performed bilingual readings — as well as a family literacy night and a reading-themed game show, Sainsurin said.

Edna Louise Spear’s PARP theme, titled “Rainbow Connection,” focused on celebrating the district’s diversity and included activities such as an evening read-aloud in which participants wore pajamas while faculty members read children’s books of their choice. The students in each grade level who read the most minutes in a two-week span won gift baskets, while the class with the strongest participation won a pizza or ice cream party, according to PARP chairwoman Victoria Boecherer.

“We want to make sure our students are becoming practiced, enthusiastic readers outside of school,” she said.

GLEN COVE

Interim principal

James J. Grossane has been named interim principal of Connolly Elementary School in the Glen Cove City School District. He replaced Bryce Klatsky, now the district’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and technology.

Grossane was superintendent of the Sewanhaka Central High School District for four years until his retirement in 2023. Before that, he was superintendent of the Smithtown and Levittown school districts.

“I look forward to working with the staff, families and students to support learning and growth for every child,” Grossane said in a statement.

GREAT NECK

New principal

Corey McNamara has been named principal of Great Neck North High School. He replaced Daniel Holtzman, now the district’s assistant superintendent for secondary education.

McNamara was principal for three years and assistant principal for four at Elwood-John H. Glenn High School. Before that, he was an interim assistant principal, dean and a health education teacher at Valley Stream North Junior/Senior High School.

“I look forward to helping guide all of our students in their discovery of greatness as they race toward excellence and beyond,” McNamara said.

VALLEY STREAM

New principal

Frank Huplosky is the new principal of Wheeler Avenue Elementary School in the Valley Stream Union Free School District 13.

Huplosky, who replaced Ruth Peets-Butcher, was principal of the district’s Howell Road Elementary School for 23 years. Before that, he was a sixth-grade teacher at the school starting in 1996.

“My core belief is that every student and family should feel truly welcome and connected to their school,” Huplosky said. “Together, as a school community, our mission is to provide the highest-quality education while ensuring that every child loves their experience here.”

BAY SHORE

New principal

Erin Lentini has been named principal of Mary G. Clarkson Elementary School in the Bay Shore school district. She replaced Leticia Garcia, who retired.

Lentini was assistant principal at the district’s Mary G. Clarkson and Brook Avenue elementary schools. She also spent 16 years as an elementary teacher at the district’s Fifth Avenue and South Country schools.

“The Bay Shore community holds a special place in my heart, and I am deeply committed to fostering a culture where every student feels seen, supported and inspired to reach their fullest potential,” Lentini said in a statement.

EASTPORT

New principal

Rebecca Bellezza has been named principal of Tuttle Avenue Elementary School. She replaced Jeanmarie Zambelli, who retired.

Bellezza had been assistant principal of John F. Kennedy Middle School in Port Jefferson Station since 2019.

“I look forward to working closely with our dedicated teachers, wonderful students and supportive families to create a nurturing and inspiring learning environment where every child can thrive,” Bellezza said in a statement.

SMITHTOWN

New principal

George G. Gagliardi has been named interim principal of Smithtown Elementary School.

Gagliardi, who replaced Mary-Ellen Kakalos, had been principal of Bretton Woods Elementary School in Hauppauge since 2012. Before that, he spent five years as assistant principal of Hauppauge High School and two years as a dean at West Islip High School.

“This school has a strong tradition of academic excellence and a vibrant, supportive culture, and I look forward to working together with our dedicated staff, engaged families and incredible students to continue that legacy,” Gagliardi said. “Together, we will foster a safe, inclusive and inspiring environment where every child can thrive.”

By Michael R. Ebert

michael.ebert@newsday.com

Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.