Three Long Island middle schools named "Schools of Distinction"
Sayville Middle School, whose staff is pictured here, was among 39 middle schools nationwide named 2026 Schools of Distinction by the Association for Middle Level Education. Credit: Joseph Castoro
Three Long Island middle schools have been recognized for their commitment to continuous improvement.
Sayville Middle School, Seaford Middle School and Woodmere Middle School are among 39 middle schools nationwide named 2026 Schools of Distinction by the Association for Middle Level Education.
The designation honors middle schools that are “actively implementing the essential attributes and characteristics of successful middle grades schools,” according to the association.
“The 2026 Schools of Distinction once again remind us that great middle schools do not happen by accident, they are built through intentional practices, strong leadership and a deep understanding of young adolescents,” the association’s CEO Chris Woodside said in a statement.
To be selected, the schools underwent a review process that included a schoolwide assessment of improvement planning and interviews with staff, students and families. The evaluation criteria stemmed from the association’s foundational text on best practices in the middle grades, titled “The Successful Middle School: This We Believe,” which was published in 1982.
Sayville Middle School’s efforts included assigning adult advocates to guide “every student’s academic and personal development” as well as starting school days with an advisory period featuring a social and emotional learning curriculum developed by “a dedicated committee of teachers and guidance counselors,” according to the association.
“This achievement is a direct reflection of the hard work, passion and dedication that our amazing teachers and staff bring to our middle-level learners every single day,” Sayville Principal Joseph Castoro said in a statement.
EAST ROCKAWAY
NEW PRINCIPAL
Neil Lederer has been named interim principal of Rhame Avenue Elementary School. He replaced Jack Bixhorn, who is now an elementary principal in the upstate South Orangetown Central School District.
Lederer, who began his school administration journey in 1976, has held positions ranging from superintendent of the Lindenhurst Union Free School District to principal of Harborfields High School in Greenlawn. He has also been interim principal of East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School and Centre Avenue Elementary School in East Rockaway.
“I am thrilled to be back in East Rockaway, a district I have great admiration and respect for,” Lederer said in a statement. “I hope to provide a smooth transition for our students and their families and to sustain the excellent programs at Rhame Elementary.”
GREENVALE
NEW PRINCIPAL
Kelli Fenley is the new principal of Nassau BOCES Iris Wolfson High School, which is geared to students with social and emotional needs. She replaced Lisa Paolucci, who is now principal of the preschool at Barry Tech in Westbury.
Fenley was previously an assistant principal at Iris Wolfson and before that served as assistant principal of P.S. 256 in Queens, where she began her career as a special education teacher.
“I am committed to building on the keen sense of community that makes this school so special, while also supporting our students, families and staff,” Fenley said in a statement.
MALVERNE
NEW PRINCIPAL
Chineeka Davis has been appointed principal of Davison Avenue Intermediate School in the Malverne school district. She replaced Rachel Yudin, who is now the district’s executive director of special education.
Davis previously served as an acting principal and an assistant principal at elementary schools in the Uniondale Union Free School District. Before that, she spent nearly two decades as an elementary lead teacher.
“The adage ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ is what I have lived by my entire career in education,” Davis said. “I am truly grateful and looking forward to the opportunity to continue my work with the young minds in the Malverne community.”
SMITHTOWN
NEW PRINCIPAL
Jon Macaluso has been appointed principal of Smithtown High School West. He replaced William Holl, who is now a business official and treasurer for the East Quogue Union Free School District.
Macaluso had been an assistant principal at Great Hollow Middle School in Nesconset for six years. He has also been a counselor in the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District, an assistant principal at Northport High School and a guidance director in the Commack and Connetquot school districts.
“To be able to come and be a leader of this building is very humbling and to have the opportunity to guide high school students and help prepare them for college and beyond is really a privilege, and I’m looking forward to it,” Macaluso said in a statement.
WEST ISLIP
NEW PRINCIPAL
Donna Flynn is the new principal of Oquenock Elementary School in the West Islip Union Free School District.
Flynn, who replaced Amanda Harvey, was previouslhad been an assistant principal at the district’s Beach Street Middle School since 2023 as well as from 2018 through 2021. Between those stints, she served as assistant principal at West Islip High School.
“I am honored to serve the Oquenock Elementary School community as principal and look forward to getting to know our students, families and staff,” Flynn said in a statement. “Together, we will continue to create a school where every child feels supported, challenged and encouraged to reach their full potential.”
WYANDANCH
NEW PRINCIPAL
Kimberly Clinton is the new principal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in the Wyandanch Union Free School District. She replaced Monique Habersham, who retired.
Clinton had been an assistant principal at the district’s Milton L. Olive Middle School from 2022 until her appointment. Before that, she was an assistant principal, instructional coach and math special education teacher at Collaborative Arts Middle School in Queens and a special education teacher at P.S. 181 in Brooklyn.
“My leadership is rooted in the belief that trust, relationships, collaboration and high expectations create the conditions for every child to succeed,” Clinton said in a statement.
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.
