Fourteen Long Island schools have been named 2024-26 Schools of Excellence by the National PTA.

The schools are among 24 statewide and 330 nationwide to recently receive the designation, which recognizes efforts to “build partnerships between families and their school that are enriching the educational experience and overall well-being for all students,” according to the National PTA.

To be considered, PTAs and schools collect feedback from their local communities to create and implement action plans to “improve family engagement and make a difference for every child,” the National PTA said. Those that exhibit improvement are named Schools of Excellence, a distinction that lasts two years.

“We believe that every strategy to accelerate learning must include families,” National PTA president Yvonne Johnson said in a statement. “Decades of research show that family engagement is just as essential as other school improvement strategies — from rigorous instruction to effective leaders.”

The selected schools: Meadow Drive Elementary School in Albertson; Meadow and Plaza elementary schools in Baldwin; Blue Point Elementary School; Deauville Gardens West Elementary School in Copiague; Candlewood Middle School in Dix Hills; George McVey Elementary School in East Meadow; John Lewis Childs Elementary School in Floral Park; H. Frank Carey High School in Franklin Square; Waverly Avenue Elementary School in Holtsville; West Hollow Middle School in Melville; Hampton Street Elementary School in Mineola; Seaford Harbor Elementary School; and Seaford Manor Elementary School.

In addition, Meadow Elementary School also received the National PTA’s 2025 Phoebe Apperson Hearst Outstanding Family-School Partnership Award, the association’s highest honor to celebrate “effective family-school partnerships,” according to the National PTA.

“This award reflects the incredible collaboration among our families, educators and community, all working together to support every child’s success,” said Meadow School PTA president Sophea Sainsurin.

MANHASSET

Interim superintendent

Christopher Pellettieri has been named interim superintendent of the Manhasset school district. He replaced Gaurav Passi, who is now superintendent of the Port Washington school district.

Pellettieri was previously superintendent of the Sachem school district in Lake Ronkonkoma, and before that was assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for the Rockville Centre school district.

“I look forward to supporting our students, empowering our educators and working closely with our families, our staff and the Board of Education to continue the long-standing tradition of excellence in Manhasset schools,” Pellettieri said in a statement.

MERRICK

New superintendent

Diana Ketcham has been appointed superintendent of the Merrick school district. She replaced Dominick Palma, who retired.

Ketcham had been assistant superintendent for elementary education at the Half Hollow Hills Central School District in Dix Hills since 2018. Before that, she was a principal in the Bayport-Blue Point and Hicksville school districts and an elementary teacher in the Babylon school district.

“As I step into this important leadership role, I do so with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to the entire Merrick school community,” Ketcham said in a statement. “Together, we will ensure all students receive the support, opportunities and inspiration they need to succeed and thrive.”

MINEOLA

New principal

Amaris Melendez has been named principal of Hampton Street School in the Mineola school district.

Melendez, who replaced Leigh Shaw, joined the district last year as an instructional leader. Before that, she was an education administrator and elementary principal for Norwalk Public Schools in Connecticut.

“Early childhood education has been the heart of my work and expertise throughout my career, and I’m thrilled to bring that passion to Hampton Street School,” Melendez said in a statement.

BAY SHORE

New principal

Jennifer Maher has been named principal of South Country Elementary School in the Bay Shore school district. She replaced Johnna Grasso, who retired.

Maher had been assistant principal at the district’s Fifth Avenue, Brook Avenue and South Country elementary schools.

“I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to uphold the vision of the Bay Shore school district and ensure that every child is empowered to reach their greatest potential,” Maher said.

MELVILLE

New principal

Allison Beyersdorf has been appointed principal of West Hollow Middle School. She replaced Steve Hauk, who retired.

Beyersdorf had been an assistant principal at West Hollow since 2008. Before that, she was a science teacher at the school.

“It is an incredible privilege to continue serving the West Hollow community in this new capacity,” Beyersdorf said in a statement. “Together with our dedicated staff, students and families, I look forward to building on our shared vision and ensuring that West Hollow is a place where all students thrive.”

SMITHTOWN

New principal

Brian Dolan has been named principal of Accompsett Middle School. He replaced Paul McNeil, who is now principal of Smithtown High School East.

Dolan had been an assistant principal at Accompsett for the past two years. He has also been an assistant principal in the nearby Connetquot Central School District, a special education teacher at Oldfield Middle School in Greenlawn and a social studies teacher at Harborfields High School in Greenlawn.

“We are fortunate to have a remarkable learning community of students, staff and families that work together to achieve our success,” Dolan said in a statement. “I look forward to building upon the strong tradition of achievement, manners and spirit that have been established here.”

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.