Valley Stream, NEW YORK (December, 2021) — The Valley Stream Central High School District Board of Education unanimously voted on Tuesday, December 14 to appoint Dr. Robin Small as Principal and Mr. Fabian Jara as Assistant Principal of North High School. The two had been previously serving as Interim Principal and Interim Assistant Principal for North since July.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, I want to affirm the dedication Dr. Small and Mr. Jara have shown to the Central High School District and North High School communities,” District Board President John Maier said. “Their commitment to North’s students and staff has been evident, and these appointments are well deserved.”

“Dr. Small and Mr. Jara are exceptional educators and leaders who have served at our District, specifically the North community with great professionalism. I have no doubt that they will continue to lead and support North students, staff and parents to maximize educational opportunities,” said Dr. Wayne Loper, Acting Superintendent of Schools for the Valley Stream Central High School District. “North High School is in very good hands.”
Dr. Small has been a valued educator in the VSCHSD since 2007, as a special education teacher and department chairperson for special education. In 2018, Dr. Small was promoted to the Assistant Principal position at North. She earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology, and her master of science in education degree from the City College of New York. Dr. Small also earned a master of science degree in education from Mercy College as well as in community health from Long Island University. She holds an advanced certification as a school district leader from Queens College and recently earned her doctorate in executive leadership from St. John Fisher College.

“If my 15 years working within the Central High School District have shown me anything, it’s that all things are possible when you put your mind to them,” Dr. Small said upon her appointment. “I’m proud to continue my service to the North High School community, and will continue to ensure that all students feel welcome, and receive the best possible education.”

Mr. Jara came to the District in 2005 as a Spanish teacher. In 2017, in addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Jara was appointed Dean of Students at North High School. Over the course of his career with the District, he has also coached multiple sports, and provided professional development workshops for teachers related to incorporating technology in the classroom. Mr. Jara has also served as Dean of Students in the District’s summer school program.

“I’m thrilled to have been appointed Assistant Principal at North, which has for the past 16 years been my home away from home,” Mr. Jara said. “I thank the Board for the trust they have placed in myself and Dr. Small, and we will continue to put the students of North first.”

For more information about the Valley Stream Central High School District, please visit the District’s website at http://www.vschsd.org, and like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ValleyStreamCentralHighSchoolDistrict

Valley Stream, NY (November 2021) — Recently, North High School’s Ecology Club took a trip to Crossroads Farm with science teacher and club advisor Stephanie Restuccio to learn about biodynamic farming. Biodynamic farming is a holistic, ecological and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food and nutrition. A key aspect of this form of farming is the saving of seeds to be used for future planting. Following a tour of the farm and an introduction to biodynamic farming, the students had the hands-on experience of harvesting seeds from the buds of dead flowers to be used for new flower plantings next year. Students also learned how saving seeds helps foster genetic diversity and offers opportunities for creating new varieties of plantings.

“Organizing activities such as the Ecology Club’s visit to Crossroads Farm augments and helps bring to life principles our students are learning in the classroom,” said North High School Interim Principal Dr. Robin Small. “The Ecology Club, like the many other clubs at North High School, provides an opportunity for students to explore their interests and passions with like-minded students. These clubs also provide a social outlet, which is critical for our students’ social-emotional health.”

For more information about the District, please visit: http://www.vschsd.org and ‘like’ our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyStreamCentralHighSchoolDistrict