New Hyde Park Educator Honored for Outstanding Leadership in Education

ALBANY, NY (04/04/2014)(readMedia)-- Margaret Marenghi, principal at New Hyde Park Road Elementary School in the New Hyde Park – Garden City Park Union Free School District, has been selected for the 2014 Outstanding Educator Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). This award is given annually to a SAANYS member who has made outstanding contributions in New York State schools through public education, professional organizations, or research and/or writing in the field of education.

The principal of this culturally diverse elementary school for the past eight years, Marenghi has strived to

provide a welcoming environment based on respect and acceptance among the parents, staff, students,

and community at New Hyde Park Road Elementary School. A significant percentage of the students are

English Language Learners. In order to create a relationship with the families of these students and foster

more parental involvement in the school, Marenghi held a series of meetings in their homes and was able

to develop a workshop based on their concerns that addressed and solved the language and cultural

barriers. As a direct result, the school community has become more inclusive and many of these families

have since become involved in school activities such as the PTA, class parents, recess buddies, and

educational workshops.

School psychologist at New Hyde Park Road Elementary School, Robyn Kurasaki, notes that "Her

[Marenghi] dedication, persistence and commitment to educating the whole child are truly remarkable

and serve as a testament to her career." As such, Marenghi instituted Instructional Support Teams that

are comprised of the school psychologist, social worker, reading, math, special education, ELL, and

speech teachers. These teams meet weekly to analyze student data and work together to develop an

appropriate solution to any concern that may arise. Robert Katulak, superintendent of schools stated,

"Mrs. Marenghi is a true instructional leader in every sense of the word. She works very closely with her

staff to analyze and monitor student achievement data in order to focus on students' needs and to adjust

instructional strategies and practices every four to eight weeks." Additionally, he continues, "She reaches

out personally to the students or the families that struggle on a daily basis and brings the necessary

support to help them be successful in a safe and nurturing environment."

Not only is this "life-long learner" a leader within her school, but she is also a dedicated leader within the

greater community. Commented Susan Sohmer, a fourth grade teacher at New Hyde Park Road

Elementary School, "Peggy is extremely community oriented. She continuously makes home visits if

there is a problem, or an illness or death in the family. She makes sure that there are collections for

Thanksgiving and Christmas for families in need. She is the first one to ensure that all children are able to

attend class trips, and have the supplies necessary for the school year." Marenghi has led efforts to help

communities devastated by Hurricane Sandy as well as communities still struggling in the aftermath of

Hurricane Katrina, organizing an effort to help rebuild a school in Louisiana. Directly following the

destruction from Hurricane Katrina in 2006, Marenghi traveled to the area as a representative of the

American Red Cross and was in charge of the operation of a large shelter serving hundreds of displaced

families. In recognition of her efforts, she received the Hurricane Hero Award in 2006.

Marenghi received her bachelors degree from the College of New York at Old Westbury, her masters

degree in interdisciplinary studies from Hofstra University, and her advanced degree in educational

leadership from the College of New Rochelle.

Marenghi will be honored for her accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 9 at the Century

House in Latham, New York.

SAANYS represents nearly 7,200 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional

association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to the membership in their

efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated

with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of

Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

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