21 Long Island schools named Schools of Excellence
Baldwin Middle School was among those named 2025-27 Schools of Excellence by the National PTA. Credit: Baldwin Union Free School District
Twenty-one Long Island schools have been recognized for their efforts to strengthen partnerships with local families.
The schools are among 33 statewide and 321 nationwide to receive the designation of 2025-27 Schools of Excellence by the National PTA. To be selected, the schools gathered feedback from their communities to build “data-driven action plans that improved family engagement and made a lasting difference for every child,” according to the National PTA.
Those exhibiting improvement were named Schools of Excellence, a distinction that lasts for two years.
“Strong partnerships between families and schools are critical to student success — academically, socially and emotionally,” National PTA president Bill Datema said in a statement.
Long Island’s designated schools are: Northeast Elementary School in Amityville, Northwest Elementary School in Amityville, Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School in Amityville, Babylon Elementary School, Babylon Memorial Grade School, Baldwin Middle School, Barnum Woods Elementary School in East Meadow, Blue Point Elementary School, Deauville Gardens West Elementary School in Copiague, Grand Avenue Elementary School in Baldwin, Hampton Street Elementary School in Mineola, Lawrence Road Middle School in Hempstead, Lee Road Elementary School in Wantagh, Lynwood Avenue Elementary School in Farmingville, George McVey Elementary School in East Meadow, Meadow Drive Elementary School in Albertson, Mineola Middle School, New Visions Elementary School in Freeport, Signal Hill Elementary School in Dix Hills, Steele Elementary School in Baldwin, and Washington Drive Primary School in Centerport.
The Amityville Union Free School District’s three elementary schools were selected for their partnership with the Amityville PreK-5 PTA, which is in its inaugural year. Amityville Superintendent Gina Talbert called the achievement “an extraordinary accomplishment.”
“It reflects the unwavering dedication of our families, teachers, staff, administrators and PTA volunteers, who have worked together to create welcoming school communities where every family has a voice,” Talbert said in a statement.
NEW HYDE PARK
NEW PRINCIPAL
Meghann Tedesco has been named principal of Hillside Grade School in the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park Union Free School District. She replaced Beth Torreano, who retired.
Tedesco previously served three years as assistant principal at Hillside and at the district’s Garden City Park School. She has also been acting principal at the district’s Manor Oaks School.
“I look forward to continuing the strong traditions that make this school so special while having the opportunity to lead new initiatives that will enrich our students’ learning experiences each day,” Tedesco said.
NORTH BELLMORE
INTERIM PRINCIPAL
Kristina Spithogiannis has been named interim principal of Park Avenue Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District. She replaced Lynn Coyle, who is now principal of John Quincy Adams Primary School in Deer Park.
Spithogiannis previously served as the district’s response to intervention coordinator. Before that, she spent eight years as a special education teacher in Seaford.
“I’m ready for an exciting year, getting to know the true meaning behind Park Pride and making meaningful connections with families, students, staff members and all who call Park Avenue home,” Spithogiannis said.
WANTAGH
NEW PRINCIPAL
Briana James has been named principal of Wantagh Elementary School.
James, who replaced Randee Bonagura, previously served five years as principal of Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School in Islip. Before that, she was an elementary teacher for the North Shore Central School District in Glen Head and an assistant principal at Wantagh Elementary School.
“I am very excited to have this full circle moment in Wantagh,” James said in a statement. “I pledge to work hard to create opportunities for children to succeed, for teachers to support their students and for parents to be involved.”
BROOKHAVEN
NEW PRINCIPAL
Diana Haanraadts has been named interim principal of Brookhaven Elementary School. She replaced Rebecca Raymond, who is now the divisional administrator for educational support services for Eastern Suffolk BOCES.
Haanraadts had served as assistant superintendent for elementary education for the Great Neck Union Free School District since 2023. She has also been an elementary principal in the Massapequa School District and an elementary assistant principal in Valley Stream.
“I look forward to working closely with staff, students and families this year to continue to provide a healthy and happy environment for all our children,” Haanraadts said in a statement.
HUNTINGTON STATION
NEW PRINCIPAL
Renee Schumm has been appointed principal of the South Huntington Union Free School District’s new Silas Wood Pre-K Center, which is a new addition this year to the South Huntington Union Free School District.
Schumm had been previously served asassistant principal of the district’s Birchwood Intermediate School since 2023. Before that, she was an inclusion teacher and general education teacher at the district’s Maplewood Intermediate School.
“I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, families, and community to create a joyful school where our youngest students can build a strong foundation for their educational journey,” Schumm said.
MILLER PLACE
NEW SUPERINTENDENT
Marc Ferris has been named superintendent of the Miller Place Union Free School District. He replaced Seth Lipshie, who retired.
Ferris had been superintendent of the Sayville Union Free School District since 2022. Before that, he was assistant superintendent for instruction in the Wantagh Union Free School District and an assistant principal and principal at North Shore Middle School in Glen Head.
“My focus will be on nurturing a caring, supportive school environment where every student feels valued, while maintaining a relentless commitment to high academic standards,” Ferris said.
Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.
