PROFILES IN AN ANTON MEDIA GROUP SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT• OCTOBER 27NOVEMBER 2, 2021
Returning To School With Special Needs
PLUS Blue Ribbon Schools Named Youth Programs Funded
E A S T E R N C O N N E C T I C U T S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
Special Tuition Rate for New York Students!
• New York and New Jersey students can attend Eastern for less than $30,000/year • Go to college out of state without paying out-of-state tuition • www.easternct.edu/tristate 226546 S
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OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2021 • PROFILES IN EDUCATION
Start your college search process and
Join Us For
FALL OPEN HOUSE Saturday, November 20 at 10 AM Register at www.stac.edu/fall-open-house We are currently SAT/ACT test-optional and offering special scholarships amounting to at least $50,000 over 4 years. NYC Metropolitan Area (45 minutes from the heart of Manhattan) 125 Route 340 • Sparkill, NY 10976 • 845.398.4100 • WWW.STAC.EDU 227369 M
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Returning To School With Special Needs BY ALLISON GILBERT
specialsections@antonmediagroup.com
A year and a half of...pandemic, home-school, meltdowns, regression and forgetting how to participate. A year and a half of...learning from faces on screens and sitting in a classroom of cyber children. A year and a half of...time standing still and health and togetherness and love. A year and a half when... elementary school turned into middle school and children forgot that leaves stay on trees until the fall. A year and a half lost and gained.
H
ow do we return to our pre-pandemic life as parents of children with special needs? And, how do we return to school? Many parents are navigating this transition. And, yes, it is huge. It requires parents to grieve for time lost, appreciate all that was gained, and stay optimistic about what is ahead. It requires patience and teamwork and stamina. It requires us to be strong and know that the children we love will prevail.
How can parents navigate the return to school? Stay calm
Transitioning back into school after virtual learning can feel like diving into an ice cold pool. It is only natural to experience emotional and physical stress. Balancing our emotions and thoughts allows us to be in our “wise” mind where we are most effective at communicating with others and helping our children succeed. Slowing down our brain is a helpful way to achieve a wise mind. Deep breathing and writing down problems allows us to slow down our brain. A healthy night of sleep is also imperative. Our brain needs us to rest in order to stay well-regulated. Setting a consistent wake up time each morning
Create a plan to help your child navigate the transition back to school.
Alison Gilbert, Ph.D. and going to bed at a reasonable hour is an effective way to help achieve a good night of sleep.
Be collaborative
As a parent you are part of a team. Challenges with transitions are common, especially in children with special needs, which means returning to school is at the top of the list of potential triggers. Identify goals for your child that parents, therapists, teachers and staff can work together to achieve. Input from the entire team is essential especially in terms of managing abrupt changes and in creating proactive strategies.
Communication is key
Daily communication with at least one member of the team is helpful in anticipating potential challenges. Parents can ask who the best point of contact might be in order to communicate about any
foreseeable events. For example, if your child didn’t sleep well the night prior to school and is dysregulated in the morning, who can you reach out to and what sorts of proactive strategies can be enlisted in order to ensure a smooth transition from the bus to the classroom?
Schedule regular meetings
Regular team meetings ensure that there is an all hands on deck approach to identifying challenges and implementing appropriate strategies. It is best to schedule regular meetings ahead of time and to find out when outside therapists are available so that they can also participate.
Seek support
Know that you are not alone. There are many parents going through similar challenges especially during these unprecedented times. The special needs community and your home school district are great ways to access support. For special needs families there are a variety of national and local organizations that offer support such as Autism Speaks, The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, National
Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI), The Anxiety and Depression Association for America and The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry—just to name a few. Most school districts also have a special education parent teacher association (SEPTA) that offers the opportunity for parents of children with special needs to support one another. SEPTA also offers workshops and information for parents as it relates to negotiating the home and school environment. Navigating the return to school post-pandemic with a child with special needs can feel intense and it is hard. Working with a team and finding support can be helpful ways for parents to cope. Let’s make this a year of...triumph, resilience, achievement, strength, hope, health, friendship and love. Alison Gilbert, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine with a certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders from U.C. Davis. She has a private practice working with parents of children with special needs located in Roslyn.
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St. Thomas Aquinas College, A School For Future Leaders
t. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) provides the resources needed for a successful future. The vibrant, 72-acre campus in the NYC Metropolitan area, is just 45 minutes north of Manhattan and provides students quick access to learning, cultural, internship and career opportunities in one of the world’s most exciting cities. STAC is a safe, welcoming place for students to study at the undergraduate and graduate level and offers more than 100 majors, minors and specializations in the School of Arts & Social Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education and the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Their highly credentialed faculty is dedicated to educating students not only inside the classroom
but outside of the classroom through research and creative collaboration. STAC also provides students with the opportunity to take part in college athletics at the Division II, club or intramural level. Access and Affordability St. Thomas Aquinas College has waived the SAT/ ACT test requirement for 2022. The College is test-optional, meaning students may submit test scores if they have them, but they will also consider applications from students without test scores. St. Thomas Aquinas College has established a scholarship amounting to at least $50,000 more than four
years. They strive to make education more accessible and affordable to students and their families, and believe that finances should not be a barrier to student success. Fall Open House Begin your college search process at one of their Fall Open Houses this November. It is the perfect opportunity to see the college and to walk the path of a student. You’ll meet and interact with admissions, current students and faculty who will share information on STAC’s academic programs and success stories. You will also find out about the financial aid process and what you’ll need to begin your college application. Register at www.stac.edu/ fall-open-house. —Submitted by St. Thomas Aquinas College
REINVENT YOUR FUTURE Attend our upcoming virtual Open House for first-year and transfer students. Learn about our generous financial aid and scholarships. Meet our students, faculty, and advisors, and find out why New York Tech is the right place for you!
2021 OPEN HOUSE: Tuesday, November 30
4 – 7 p.m. Unable to Attend? Find our full calendar of virtual and in-person events on our website.
90+ PROGRAMS BACHELOR’S
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PROFILES IN EDUCATION • OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2021
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Tri-State Tuition Rate for New York and New Jersey Students!
• Eastern Connecticut State University’s Tri-State Rate allows New York and New Jersey students to attend Eastern for less than $30,000 a year in total direct costs • They are also eligible for scholarships op Public Regional University in New • The Top England three years in a row (U.S. News and World Report, 2020, 2021, 2022) • Connecticut’ss only public liberal arts college • Live on a beautiful residential campus • Be in the middle of the action! > 2.5 hours to New York > 2 hours to George Washington Bridge > 2 hours to Boston > 3 hours to Vermont
Go to college out of state without paying out-of-state tuition! Sign up for a tour or check us out virtually!
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Massapequa School District Names Two New Supervisors
he Massapequa School District welcomes two new administrators at the secondary level for the 202122 school year. Daniel Mezzafonte is the supervisor of science for grades 6-12 and Jeff Cronk is the secondary special education supervisor for Massapequa High School’s main and Ames campuses. Mezzafonte comes to Massapequa with 25 years of experience as a science teacher and administrator. He began his career at Richmond Hill High School in Queens before moving to Hewlett High School, where he taught science for eight years and coordinated the science research program. For the past 13 years, he was the science department chairman at Floral Park Memorial High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and environmental science from Binghamton University, a master’s degree in microbiology from New York University and his administrative certification from Stony Brook University. Professional memberships include the School Administrators Association of New York State and the Long Island STEM Education Leadership Association. In Massapequa he will oversee
Daniel Mezzafonte is the new supervisor of science for grades 6-12 in the Massapequa School District. (Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District)
a “very talented team” of about 60 science teachers at the high school, Ames and Berner Middle School. He said his goals are to find even more opportunities for students to participate in science activities beyond the walls of Massapequa schools and to continue to grow the research program. “I’m very excited to be able to contribute my expertise in science to an
Jeff Cronk will serve as the special education supervisor for Massapequa High School’s main and Ames campuses. already successful program,” he said. “I want to facilitate a love of science for our students and work with our teachers to help them succeed.” Cronk comes to Massapequa from the William Floyd School District, where he was a special education teacher and Committee on Special Education chairperson for 15 years. A second-generation educator, his mother was a teacher for three
decades. He holds a bachelor’s degree in human relations from St. Joseph’s College, a master’s degree in childhood and special education from C.W. Post and his administrative certification from the College of St. Rose and is an active member of the Council of Administrators and Supervisors. In his new role, Cronk will supervise about 35 staff members at the high school and the Ames Campus, including teachers, teaching assistants, social workers and psychologists. One of his responsibilities will be to provide them with professional development opportunities. He will also work cooperatively with students, parents, teachers and pupil personnel services staff to ensure that students under his purview are receiving the proper level of support. Cronk said he is enthusiastic about working in a district that provides a wide range of resources for learners with special needs, noting that Massapequa is highly regarded for its Career and Community Connections program at the secondary level. —Submitted by the Massapequa School District
Funding Secured For ESPOIR Youth Programs Assemblyman Charles Lavine has secured programmatic funding for ESPOIR Youth Programs, Inc. in Westbury. Lavine recently stopped by the ESPOIR facility to see how the after-school program is up and running a few weeks into the new school session and to greet ESPOIR founder, Dr. Samarth Joseph, her wonderful staff and some of her amazing kids. The funding will help ESPOIR cover operational costs of providing educational opportunities for students. Joseph founded ESPOIR in 2012 with the stated goal of developing confidence, avoiding peer pressure and creating a more social experience within the classroom. Visit www.espoirinternational.org Dr. Samarth Joseph, founder, ESPOIR Youth Programs, Inc. (far left), Brian Young, after school group leader (second from left) and Assemblyman Charles Lavine (far right) to learn more about the program.
PROFILES IN EDUCATION • OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2021
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PROGRAMS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS BRILLIANT FUTURES BEGIN AT COLUMBIA
“I have gained so much, both academically and socially. I love Columbia for its collaborative environment and rigorous education.” – Allie T. | Issaquah, Washington Former 2020 Immersion Student
ACADEMIC YEAR IMMERSION Spring: Jan. 22—Mar. 27, 2022 Apply by December 7
SPS.COLUMBIA.EDU/HPA22
COLLEGE EDGE: ACADEMIC YEAR Spring: Jan. 18—May 2, 2022 Apply by December 1
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Two Local Schools Named 2021 National Blue Ribbon
.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recently recognized 325 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2021, including 19 schools in New York. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Cardona made the announcement during his Return to School Road Trip, while visiting an awardee school, Walter R. Sundling Jr. High School in Palatine, IL. Area schools named as National Blue Ribbon Schools were:
• Glen Head – North Shore Senior High School, North Shore Central School District. • Jericho – Jericho Senior High School, Jericho Union Free School District. “This year’s cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish,” Cardona said. “I commend all our Blue Ribbon honorees for working to keep students healthy and safe while meeting their academic, social, emotional and mental health needs. In the face of unprecedented circumstances, you found creative ways to engage, care for, protect and teach our children. Blue Ribbon Schools have so much to offer and can serve as a model for other schools and communities so that we can truly build back better.” The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in
Jericho Senior High School creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Now in its 39th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools. The department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories,
North Shore Senior High School based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates: • Exemplary HighPerforming Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. • Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are among their state’s highest
performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students. Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The department invites National Blue Ribbon Schools nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands,
the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education. Visit www.nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov to read more about this year’s National Blue Ribbon Schools. —Submitted by National Blue Ribbon Schools
Girl Scouts Earn Gold Award Scholarships The Girl Scouts of Nassau and Suffolk Counties recently announced the 2021 GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship has been awarded to two local Girl Scout Gold Award recipients: Mary Fernandez, of Nassau County, and Sofia Haskelson, of Suffolk County. Gold Award Girl Scout Mary Fernandez, of Herricks, was awarded a national scholarship from Girl Scouts USA. Through her project, “Not ‘Me Too,’” she educated children and teens in her community about consent, what it is and why it is important. For children, she wrote a children’s book titled No Means No, Yes Means Yes! that her elementary school integrated into their Family Life curriculum. For teens, she used a more mature approach and created a comprehensive presentation explaining consent that her high school added to its health curriculum. Additionally, Fernandez hosted a self-defense class for her community to empower and prepare individuals to defend
Sofia Haskelson
Mary Fernandez
themselves and respect their bodies so they can feel safer. Fernandez previously earned a Silver Award, making her an example of the determination and ambition Girl Scouts have to grow and face new challenges. Gold Award Girl Scout Sofia Haskelson, of Huntington, previously received the Bronze and Silver awards. This year was no exception for her hard work as she earned her Gold Award and a national scholarship from Girl Scouts USA. Her project, “Living Through the Eyes,’’ focused on raising awareness
about eye conditions that affect various individuals in the area. However, not every person can treat their condition, so Haskelson implemented an eyeglasses donation program to assist people suffering from eye conditions but cannot afford glasses. For the project to have a holistic approach, she also created and donated more than 400 fabric eyeglasses cases. “It is impressive how these girls can be so observant of their communities and create such a huge impact. Girl Scouts teach girls they have a responsibility to
contribute to their community and that, regardless of their age, they can influence people around them,” Randell Bynum, CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County,” said. “They are challenged to become their best selves and create long-lasting changes in the communities, whether it’s their high school, their neighborhoods, or their future jobs. I’m incredibly proud to see them recognized for their hard work by this national scholarship.” As they take action to transform their world, the Gold Award Program has a positive and lasting effect on girls who participate. Gold Award Girl Scouts gain a range of skills—such as leadership, teamwork and problem solving—that they will find useful not only for the activities and experiences they have access to in Girl Scouts but throughout their lives. Visit www.gsnc.org (Nassau) or www.gssc.us (Suffolk) for more information about Girl Scouts. —Submitted by the Girl Scouts of Nassau and Suffolk Counties
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ADVERTORIAL
Molloy College t
LIVE
RETURN OF IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION AND OPEN HOUSE
YOUR DREAMS. LIVE YOUR
PASSION.
This past spring, Molloy College was one of the first colleges to announce that it would resume face-to-face instruction in the fall and that “return to normal” happened on September 8. Now the College is planning for its in-person Open House, scheduled for November 7.
LIVE YOUR
STORY.
Academic Programs That Fuel Careers
Molloy students can earn degrees “Everyone is excited to be back on in a variety of outstanding campus,” said Dr. James P. Lentini, academic programs (including Molloy’s president. “One of the nursing, business, education, social strengths of a Molloy education work, music therapy, computer is the direct contact our students studies and many more) that have with their lead to rich peers and their “We are dedicated to and rewarding professors. providing our students with careers. Those positive the best possible value. If you Additionally, interactions take come to Molloy, you graduate Molloy offers place on campus with a job in your field at every day and a variety of we are looking a salary that’s significantly graduate forward to bringing higher than average.” and doctoral that same energy programs that — James Lentini to our in-person provide the President, Molloy College open houses on opportunity November 7.” for students to further enhance their career Molloy College Emphasizes or take a new direction while Careers, Value and Values College-bound students and their pursuing a passion. The College’s graduate programs include a parents are always looking for an variety of M.B.A. options, as well academic environment that offers as programs in clinical mental the best fit and the best value for health counseling, criminal justice, their tuition dollars. Molloy was music therapy, speech-language recently ranked the #18 “value pathology, education and nursing. added” college in the U.S. by
Open House Sunday, November 7 Because no one’s story is quite like yours. With more than 50 majors, global learning and internship opportunities, and a vibrant campus, you’ll make your mark – and lifelong friends – at Molloy, one of the region’s best colleges.
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A small student-to-faculty ratio (10:1) means that students are more than a number to our professors, who provide input and guidance that enable students to pursue their dreams.
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The Wall Street Journal, arguably the nation’s premier financial publication. Molloy has also earned other honors, including being ranked the #10 best value among Catholic colleges nationwide by College Values Online and consistently being ranked as one of the best colleges in the region by U.S. News & World Report.
What’s New Some of Molloy’s newer offerings include an online M.B.A., as well as a new degree completion program that will enable returning students to easily complete their undergraduate degree. This fall, the School of Business launched a new major in entertainment and sport management.
Visit molloy.edu to learn more or to schedule an in-person tour.
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Eight Myths About The FSA ID
Y
our FSA ID is a username and password that gives you access to U.S. Department of Education online systems, such as StudentAid.gov. It provides quick access to eligibility information for federal financial aid programs and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. It can also serve as your legal signature when completing electronic documents. Sometimes, you may come across information that’s inaccurate. So, let’s debunk some common myths.
Only students need to create an FSA ID. Parents of dependent
phone number with an FSA ID. Students and parents cannot share the same email address or mobile phone number.
students will need to create their own FSA ID. This step is necessary in order to keep private information secure. When you set up your account, you will need to provide personal information like your Social Security number. You will also need to create a password, include contact information, answer challenge questions, set up communication preferences and review and confirm your personal details. I need a permanent address, an email account or mobile phone number to create my FSA ID. You don’t need a permanent address to create an FSA ID, but you will need to have a verified email address or a mobile phone number. This contact information will help you retrieve your username or password to unlock your account. The FSA ID is necessary to fill out the FAFSA form. An FSA ID is not required to sign and submit the FAFSA
The Social Security Administration (SSA) needs to verify my information before I can use my FSA ID. Once you create your FSA ID, you can use it immediately to sign your FAFSA form. Other activities, such as submitting a renewal FAFSA form or completing other forms on StudentAid.gov will require you to wait. form, but it does make the process easier and quicker. It can help you access, complete or correct your information. Anyone can create or use my FSA ID. No. Your FSA ID serves as a legal signature used for signing legally binding documents. Giving someone else access to your FSA ID is like having another person forge your signature on a contract. Don’t
let anyone either create or use your FSA ID—this includes your parents, school officials or loan officers. Restricting its use can also ease your ability to recover account information. Parents and students can use the same email address or mobile phone number for their FSA IDs. You can only associate one email address and mobile
I will have to wait a whole day for an email or mobile phone confirmation. You will receive an email confirmation and verification code on your mobile phone within three minutes. If you don’t receive the email confirmation in your inbox, make sure to check your spam filter. Visit StudentAid.gov/fsaid to learn how to manage your account. —Submitted by the U.S. Department of Education
YOUR CHILD CAN LEARN. He Just Learns Differently.
Winston Prep Long Island is a leading school for students with learning differences, such as dyslexia, ADHD, and non-verbal learning difficulties. Learn how we design an individualized academic program for your child and help them thrive! Register for an in-person open house at https://www.winstonprep.edu/our-campuses/li/ or contact Admissions Director, Karen Preston, kpreston@winstonprep.edu. Winston Prep Long Island • 30 Deforest Road, Dix Hills, NY 11746 • 631-779-2400
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Fall Open Houses
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New York Institute of Technology Northern Blvd., Old Westbury Virtual on Tuesday, Nov. 30, at 4 p.m. www.nyit.edu
St. Josep College h’s
155 W. Roe Blvd., Patchogue Nov. 14 www.sjcny. edu
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PROFILES IN EDUCATION • OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2021 13A
Entrepreneurship
Forest School
Bloomberg Terminals
Let us introduce ourselves. We are Friends Academy, the #1 ranked private school on Long Island and an independent, college-preparatory Quaker school, serving age 3 - Grade 12. Our timeless values elevate our academic program to create a unique educational excellence, where your student will be empowered to inquire, reflect, and engage in real-world, life-changing ways.
We’ve got some exciting plans. In Fall 2021, we launched: - A groundbreaking Forest School program, where nature is the classroom - Entrepreneurial Studies courses in our Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools - Riveting new courses for Upper Schoolers, including Bloomberg Terminals & Financial Literacy and Solutions in Medicine
And we can’t wait to meet you! Visit admissions.fa.org to learn more and start your application. RSVP to one of our winter Open Houses: Nov. 2 and 18 (Grades 9-12); Nov. 9 and 19 (Grades 5-8) Nov. 4 and 15 (Grades Pre-K-4)
270 Duck Pond Rd | Locust Valley, NY 11560 | (516) 676-0393
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Fact Sheet:
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program Overhaul
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he Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program is an important—but largely unmet—promise to provide debt relief to support the teachers, nurses, firefighters and others serving their communities through hard work that is essential to our country’s success. By canceling loans after 10 years of public service, PSLF removes the burden of student debt on public servants, makes it possible for many borrowers to stay in their jobs and entices others to work in high-need fields. The Department of Education has announced a set of actions that, over the coming months, will restore the promise of PSLF. A time-limited waiver will be offered so that student borrowers can count payments from all federal loan programs or repayment plans toward forgiveness. This includes loan types and payment plans that were not previously eligible. Opportunities to automate PSLF eligibility, give borrowers a way to get errors corrected and make it easier for members of the military to get credit toward forgiveness while they serve will be made. An expanded communications campaign to make sure affected borrowers learn about these opportunities and encourage them to apply will be implemented. These changes are important steps toward a better and stronger PSLF program, one that will move away from the current situation in which too few borrowers receive forgiveness and too many do not receive credit for years of payments they made because of complicated eligibility rules, servicing errors or other technicalities. The Department of Education is also working to identify further improvements to ensure public servants get the relief they deserve, including partnerships with employers and revising regulations. These actions are informed by the more than 48,000 comments the Department of Education received on a request for information on improving PSLF issued over the summer. The department estimates that the limited waiver alone will help more than 550,000 borrowers who had previously consolidated their loans see their progress toward PSLF grow automatically, with the average borrower receiving 23 additional payments. This includes approximately 22,000 borrowers who will
Teachers can apply for loan forgiveness. be immediately eligible to have their federal student loans discharged without further action on their part, totaling $1.74 billion in forgiveness. Another 27,000 borrowers could potentially qualify for $2.82 billion in forgiveness if they certify additional periods of employment. More than 16,000 borrowers have ever received forgiveness under PSLF prior to this action. It is anticipated that many more will also receive additional credit as changes are implemented over time, such as counting previously ineligible payments that were not affected by a loan consolidation. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a tremendous strain on public servants, making it even more critical that borrowers are able to access PSLF. Many public servants have been on the front lines of the pandemic, making personal sacrifices to keep the rest of us safe. Nonprofits are still recovering jobs lost in the last year and some public service workers have reported they are considering leaving public service altogether. Frontline sectors like teaching and healthcare are already seeing burnout and employee shortages. Alleviating some of the financial strain associated with
student debt can help borrowers in these sectors as they continue to navigate the fallout of this pandemic.
The Department is announcing it will: · Implement a limited PSLF waiver to count all prior payments made by student borrowers toward PSLF, regardless of loan program. · Simplify what it means for a payment to qualify for PSLF. · Eliminate barriers for military service members to receive PSLF. · Automatically help service members and other federal employees access PSLF. · Review denied PSLF applications and identify and correct errors in PSLF processing. · Improve outreach and communication with PSLF-eligible borrowers. · Simplify the PSLF application process. · Make long-term improvements to PSLF through rulemaking.
What Borrowers Need to Know The Department of Education will roll out these improvements in groups
over the coming months. For more information, visit StudentAid.gov/ PSLFWaiver. Borrowers should also ensure their accurate contact information is on file by registering for an FSA ID at StudentAid.gov/create-account or updating their StudentAid.gov contact information by logging in and visiting StudentAid.gov/settings. By creating an account, the Department of Education can communicate with you directly in a personalized way about how this waiver and other matters might affect you. The limited PSLF waiver will be available to borrowers who have Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loans and Perkins Loans. The waiver applies to loans taken out by students.
You have further questions In the coming weeks, servicers will receive updated information from FSA to help you navigate these changes. If you encounter challenges working with your loan servicer, you should visit StudentAid.gov/ feedback. —U.S. Department of Education
PROFILES IN EDUCATION • OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2021 15A
In the science labs, St. Mary’s High School students work collaboratively and learn about science, technology, engineering and math through a STEM education. levels, which are highly regarded for both excellent coaching and superb sportsmanship.
At the Schools of Saint Mary, Manhasset, students in Nursery through Grade 12 flourish in an innovative and nurturing educational environment rooted in Catholic values. The mission of the school is to empower students to find inspiration and joy as they discover themselves and learn what they are capable of accomplishing. Small class sizes foster a more personal connection between students and faculty. Faculty and administrators at St. Mary’s strive to educate the whole child – intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, socially, and physically. The use of cutting-edge technology, including campus-wide wireless capabilities, an online system that allows students and parents to access homework and grades, and school-issued Chromebooks for every student in sixth through twelfth grade, helps teachers provide students with a strong academic foundation. At the early childhood and primary grade levels, students actively explore concepts and develop skills through an interdisciplinary approach utilizing the latest technology, handson learning materials, and skill-related experiences. Students in grades 6-12 incorporate technology as an interactive tool that enables them to be independent learners while investigating researchbased learning. The St. Mary’s education is about more
than just academics. Spiritual values, a sense of service and the growth of faith are fostered by connecting Gospel values to all parts of the curriculum, including core academic classes, allowing students at all grade levels to deepen their moral standards and ethics. Students learn about the tenets and meaning of their Catholic faith and how to live it joyfully, especially in serving others within the school and greater community. The school day doesn’t end when the last bell rings – St. Mary’s becomes a vibrant after-school community as students at all grade levels participate in a wide range of extracurricular clubs and activities, exploring their talents and skills outside of academia. Middle and high school students gain an appreciation for the arts and develop their creativity through participation in the Fine and Performing Arts Program. By taking classes in art, chorus, band, orchestra, dance or stage performance; performing arts students learn from and work alongside professionals in those fields. The Schools of St. Mary is also proud of its competitive athletic programs at the middle and high school
St. Mary’s welcomes a diverse student body consisting of students of many different faiths and cultural backgrounds, who come from Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings Counties. ST. MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL WILL HOST AN OPEN HOUSE FOR ADMISSIONS ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28 FROM 7:00-9:00 PM. REGISTER FOR YOUR TOUR TODAY BY VISITING SAINTMARYSHS.ORG. For more information about St. Mary’s or to schedule a personal tour, please contact Mrs. Norma Stafford, director of admissions at 516.627.2711 ext 1084 or nstafford@saintmaryshs.org. Faculty and administrators at St. Mary’s strive to educate the whole child - intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically.
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THE SCHOOLS OF SAINT MARY
From early childhood students to their high school seniors, The Schools of St. Mary is preparing inspired thinkers and creative leaders by guiding all students as they develop the character traits of great leaders and skilled team players. This approach includes creativity, flexibility, diligence, perseverance, accountability, and responsibility. At every level, St. Mary’s balances strong academic development with experience to encourage personal growth. Exceptional faculty and staff inspire each student along their educational journey, always promoting the safe and welcoming culture that is one of the hallmarks of the St. Mary’s experience.
OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2021 • PROFILES IN EDUCATION
OPEN HOUSE for ADMISSIONS
Join us to learn about our Catholic faith community, liberal arts curriculum, and extracurricular offerings.
THURSDAY, OCT. 28 | 7:00-9:00 PM TOURS ARE BY RESERVATION ONLY. PLEASE VISIT SAINTMARYSHS.ORG TO SCHEDULE YOUR TIME. ALL COVID-19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WILL BE OBSERVED.
Saint Mary’s High School A college preparatory high school in the Catholic intellectual tradition. 51 CLAPHAM AVENUE, MANHASSET, NY 11030 SAINTMARYSHS.ORG | 516 627 2711 FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT NORMA STAFFORD, DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AT EXT. 1084 OR NSTAFFORD@SAINTMARYSHS.ORG. 227397 M