By Stephanie Mariel Petrellese

The first Garden City Board of Education meeting of the school year began on an upbeat note, as students and the Garden City Middle School were recognized for special achievements.

Five students who won medals in the 2008 Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged were congratulated: Matthew Castellano, Michael Lynch, Philip Mamos, Grayce Nix and Colin Ripp.

The school board and administration also honored principal Dr. Peter Osroff and staff of the Garden City Middle School for being selected as a 2008 No Child Left Behind National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. The award distinguishes and honors public and private schools, at all levels from K through 12, for helping students achieve at very high levels and for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap.

In his monthly report, Dr. Feirsen said the school year has gotten "off to a very good start." He noted that enrollment figures are usually based on enrollment as of October 1st since districts usually see fluctuation during the first weeks of school. This year's figure is within demographic projections.

This year the two Superintendent's Conference Days were held in a row, so there will be no break in the middle of the school year. All new faculty members attended an extensive orientation program, which included a discussion of goals, special education and the district's athletic program, as well as a lesson on the history of Garden City and a full day devoted to technology training.

Administrators received training the week before school which focused on co-teaching. The workshop was led by Dr. Janet Wilson of Hofstra University. She will return during the school year to continue the training.

Dr. Feirsen announced that Susan Guiliano, who was assistant principal at Stratford, will be resigning at the end of the month to work in the Hicksville School District. Joseph Papa will serve as interim assistant principal. Frank Russo, the district's director of school facilities and operations, will be leaving in October after six years in the district to work in the North Bellmore School District. The district is currently looking for an interim director.

Garden City resident Allison Sparacino expressed concern that the board was approving a $41,558.70 payment to the district's appointed law firm, Guercio & Guercio, for legal services rendered on the district's portion of the lawsuit against the Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency during July 1-31, and wanted to know how much more money was expected to be expended. School district counsel Vanessa Sheehan said the district is still waiting for the judge's decision. She expects the litigation to be over unless one of the parties appeals.

Dr. Feirsen announced that the district is planning to launch a student database known as SchoolTool, and stressed that the only way parents can access data is to provide the district with an e-mail address. Parents can submit e-mail addresses via an online form by visiting the district's Web site, www.gardencity.k12.ny.us. Forms will also be available at the Back to School nights being held at all schools in the district in the next few weeks. For more information, call the district's technology department at 478-1060.

SchoolTool is a Web-based product that can be accessed from any computer via the Internet and automates all of a school's daily activities. For example, administrators can view and report on the latest student data; teachers can have immediate access to the latest class lists, take attendance online, create and manage grade books and create discipline referrals; parents can access student grades online, communicate with teachers, and see their children's progress and attendance in real-time; and students can track grades, access assignments online and make course selections for future years. All data will be stored in one location and be encrypted. Access to certain information will be restricted depending on whether you are a student, parent or administrator.

A school board work session will be held on Tuesday, October 14th at 8:15 p.m. in the administration building. The regular meeting will take place on Oct. 21 at 8:15 p.m. in the Garden City High School.