A Season of Excellence and Service in Garden City Public Schools
The Garden City Eastern Property Owners’ Association (EPOA) is proud to share the latest highlights from our school district. From prestigious music honors to meaningful community service, our students and faculty continue to demonstrate the spirit of excellence that defines Garden City.
Music & Fine Arts: A Symphony of Success
Our music program continues to hit all the right notes. This year, 70 Garden City students were selected for the prestigious All-County Music Festival. Additionally, 11 musicians performed in the P.E.A.K. Festival, a testament to their hard work and stellar 2025 NYSSMA solo performances.
Inclusion & Awareness: Building a Kinder Community
In December, Stewart and Stratford Schools observed Disability Awareness Month. This weeklong initiative focused on inclusion and kindness, featuring special lessons on the vital role of service dogs.
Similarly, the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying visited the Middle School on December 5–6. Through interactive presentations, students learned practical strategies for bullying prevention and how to access support systems.
Athletics & Philanthropy: Giving Back
- Poinsettia Sale: The 27th annual Friends of Garden City Boys Lacrosse Poinsettia Sale was a blooming success. Proceeds support the upcoming spring season, and the team continued its tradition of heart by donating beautiful plants to the NYU Langone Cancer Center for Kids.
- A Professional Assist: On December 11, the boys basketball team received a surprise donation from NY Knicks guard Tyler Kolek. This connection was made possible through Kolek’s friendship with GCHS alumnus and assistant coach Cyrus Lalehzar.
Academic Innovations & Faculty Achievements
- STEM in Action: The Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program at the Middle School was recently spotlighted on the Trojan Watch YouTube channel. Led by Mr. Paul Cimmino, this 8th-grade course prepares students for high school STEM challenges and potential college credit.
- Published Authors: Congratulations to GCHS librarian Ms. Margaux Calemmo and retired coordinator Ms. Jeannette Balantic on the publication of their second book, The Whole-School Community Read, which provides a roadmap for building community through literacy.
Cultural Exploration & Service Learning
- German Heritage: Fifty Middle and High School German students took an immersive trip to Bethlehem, PA, exploring 18th-century traditions at the Historic German Moravian Settlement.
- Pajamas & Literacy: Our youngest learners at Locust, Hemlock, and Homestead participated in the Scholastic Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive. Their donations of books and pajamas will support the mission of Beyond Bedtime, helping children in need achieve a healthy night's sleep.
Stay Connected: The EPOA encourages all residents to continue supporting our schools and celebrating the diverse talents of our students.