Congratulations to our newest Commack Star recipient ... Wood Park school psychologist Dr. Emma Hettrich.

Dr. Hettrich is the first to reach out to offer support to her colleagues. She also is an asset to all those who seek her out for suggestions, advice or support.

She continuously engages in her own professional development as well as teaching opportunities.

“We are so lucky to have such an incredible educator as part of the Commack family — someone who goes above and beyond for both students and staff,” superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox told the gathered staff on Friday morning during the surprise presentation.”

Said principal Michelle Collison: “You have brought us to the next level. I am blessed to work with you.”

Rolling Hills second grader Jaimin excitedly shouted to his teacher, "Miss Krompier, I feel like we have a whole new school."

And that summed up the excitement as Rolling Hills and Wood Park had back-to-back ribbon-cutting ceremonies to unveil new playgrounds.

 Superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox and other administrators were on hand to preside over the ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

 The equipment includes GaGa pits, teeter totters and a basketball hoop. Rolling Hills' playground even had an outdoor xylophone.

 Indian Hollow and North Ridge debuted similar playgrounds this past fall.

Francesca Augello is a hometown hero.
 
 Augello, in her sixth year as a school monitor at Wood Park Primary, successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver after alertly spotting a second grader choking on pizza during lunchtime on Friday.
 
 Augello had seen posters on the Heimlich maneuver over the years, and was prepared when the need urgently arose.

 

“I’m just happy everything worked out,” said Augello, who has three of her own children in the district. “You just have to pay attention and be aware what’s going on in the cafeteria.”
 
 Superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox stopped by Wood Park on Monday to personally thank Augello for her quick thinking.
 
 “It’s amazing,” Cox told her. “That’s scary stuff.”