On the final day of the school year, Senator Mario Mattera visited to Wood Park Primary on Wednesday to honor a local hero.

Sen. Mattera presented school monitor Francesca Augello a New York State Liberty Medal for her quick thinking in applying the Heimlich maneuver to save choking second grader Grayson M. in the school’s cafeteria in March.

Grayson and his family as well as superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox, district clerk Debbie Virga and Wood Park principal Michelle Collison were on hand for the ceremony.

The Liberty Medal is the highest honor that can be bestowed by the New York State Senate.

Grayson also received recognition from Sen. Mattera to recognize his bravery under trying circumstances.

“This is an amazing school district,” Sen. Mattera said.

The Commack and Smithtown libraries visited Wood Park Primary School on Thursday morning to encourage summer reading.

The visiting librarians shared with the students that both community libraries have summer reading programs, with prizes for taking part.

The Commack program runs June 21 through Aug. 9, while the Smithtown program runs June 17 through Aug. 10.

All that’s required is a library card to enter either program.

Commack families can register on the Beanstack app, while Smithtown families should visit the library.

Principal Michelle Collison told the students that the summer is an ideal time for reading.

Wood Park students were recognized Wednesday morning by Long Island Cares for collecting $500 in coins for the charity.

Wood Park raised the most of any school during the "Wings of Change" campaign.

Founded in 1980, Long Island Cares helps the food insecure, such as by operating The Harry Chapin Food Bank. 

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.