As virtual learning takes its hold, student-teacher relationships have never been more important. At Frank P. Long Intermediate School, fourth grade teacher Vanessa Gordon has devised a way to bridge the separation gap between her class and herself.

The students are participating in a project called Flat Ms. Gordon, based on the original Flat Stanley Project in which a cardboard cutout of a man, Flat Stanley, accompanies students on various adventures. Instead of writing letters about their adventures with Ms. Gordan, as in the original project, the South Country students are taking photos of their adventures with the Flat Ms. Gordon cutout and posting them virtually with a description.

Ms. Gordon said, “I wanted to be with my students for the rest of their fourth grade year and sent a Flat Ms. Gordon letter to the class, hoping to be a part of their everyday activities.”

Some adventures Flat Ms. Gordan has been attending are a Mother’s Day plant sale, eating tacos on Cinco de Mayo, building a catapult, creating a living room fort and accompanying students with their lessons.

The District is pleased to announce that Frank P. Long Intermediate School teacher David Perkins received the Influential Educator Award from New York State Senator Monica R. Martinez. The award was presented during the senator’s annual Black History Month Celebration, “African Americans and the Vote,” held on February 28, at the Boy’s and Girl’s Club in Bellport and to honor individuals who are making a difference in the community.

Mr. Perkins has served the District for 16 years. Currently teaching fifth grade, Mr. Perkins is famous throughout the school community for hosting Bowtie Tuesday. On this day each month, students wear bowties and hair ribbons to feel better about themselves while being reminded about their goals to become more responsible and mature. The students also listen to speakers who provide tips for success in school and in life.

“Students should see glimmers of the best versions of themselves,” Mr. Perkins said. “It’s also important that education be fun.”

Mr. Perkins is also a shining example of how to give back to the community. An Islandia resident, Mr. Perkins has served as a volunteer firefighter in Central Islip for the past three years and is currently learning to drive a firetruck. He also demonstrates a desire to improve his school community through participation in a variety of programs, committees and events. He has served on the Shared Decision Making Team at FPL, Math Day and was basketball coach for the Bellport Middle School team. More recently, Mr. Perkins served on the District’s Technology Committee, assisted in Math 24 tournaments at FPL and is currently an adviser on the FPL Lego Robotics Club.

However, Mr. Perkins goal is always the same — to do his best to improve the success of his students academically and in life.

The District congratulates Mr. Perkins on this outstanding achievement.