Levittown students get a Jumpstart on the school year

Elementary English language learners are engaged in hands-on activities while strengthening vital skills in Levittown’s four-week ENL Summer Jumpstart Program held at Levittown Memorial Education Center.

Seventy-seven students entering first through fifth grades are enrolled in this year’s Jumpstart program, the highest in the program’s 23-year history. Students have fun in the summer weather with outdoor games that emphasize teamwork, collaboration, and socialization while they bridge the gap between their previous academic year and the year ahead. Along with the physical education component, students’ language development is strengthened through academic enrichment in STEAM subjects and literacy. The program also incorporates the required summer reading books.

Summer Jumpstart continues to evolve as well, with transportation recently offered in order to further support students and their families.

Dr. Robert R. Dillon (Bob), of Walden and Plainview, passed peacefully on July 28, 2023, after experiencing medical complications following spinal surgery. He grew up in Bayside, Queens with his parents Marie and Martin, who predeceased him, and his 4 brothers (Matthew, Terrance, Dennis and Kevin) and sister, Maureen. Although drafted by the Detroit Tigers out of Loyola High School in NYC, he opted to pursue a career in education through St. John’s University in Queens. There he obtained his Doctorate in Education.

During his more than 45-year career in education, he served as Superintendent of four school districts, East Meadow UFSD, Sugar Loaf UFSD, Abbott Union UFSD and Eastport UFSD. He was the driving force that led to the successful merger of Eastport and South Manor UFSD.

Dr. Dillon was dedicated to foster- ing the next generation of school leaders and mentored many seeking their administrative certifications while teaching at St. John’s University, SUNY at New Paltz, St. John Fisher University and Dowling College.

Since 2015, he has led Nassau BOCES, a cooperative of the 56 school districts in Nassau County, leaving a legacy that will impact the students of Nassau County for decades. Whether navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing for increased mental health student support, or innovating numerous programs, he has revitalized, transformed and enhanced educational opportunities for all students.

He served on many advisory boards and councils, including the Long Island Power Authority, SCOPE Education Services and SUNY Old Westbury’s School of Education.

He is survived by his childhood sweetheart Patricia Maureen (Patty), Son Christopher and his wife Jessica, grandchildren Kylie and Brendan, Daughters Deirdre and Caitlin, brothers and sister and their respective families. He loved golf, camping, and fishing and was an avid NY Giants fan. He was dedicated to his family, and wanted to make sure everyone was happy and well provided for. He was incredibly generous, kind and hard-working. His family would like to thank NYU Langone Hospital and all of the staff for their unwavering support and care.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at Fairchild Sons Funeral Home. A funeral mass was celebrated on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at The Cathedral of St. Agnes . Interment followed at Queen of Peace Cemetery on Jericho Turnpike in Old Westbury.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation.