For Parents of 7th and 8th Graders
Your children were subject to the new advanced placement processes in math and science approved in 2020. Selection was done according to new policies adopted and implemented during the COVID era.
Based on the many flaws identified in the 2023 selection process, it is probable that deserving students were overlooked and tracked into inflexible and suboptimal curriculum. This injustice needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The district is working with many families individually to do that - offering new levels of flexibility. We need to help these students to create workable options for advancement.
Many parents were not aware of the issues. They were denied information so that they could not question the placement process or effectively appeal. If your child took the secure exam and was denied, you are entitled to your child's secure exam score, a copy of their work sample, the teacher rating form and the total points earned on the placement rubric. You can request this information from Lauren Tallarine at 516 267 7570 or Lauren_Tallarine@manhassetschools.org
We attempted to collect information on the 2021 and 2022 advanced math cohort via a FOIL request to understand whether that selection process was fair. The district has decided not to release this data, likely because it would reveal similar or worse circumstances than those shown on this site for the 2023 cohort. Click here to see the FOIL request that was denied.
Consider Curriculum Flexibility
Given the recent issues, the district may be open to considering more flexibility in the science curriculum pathways. Click here to explore some options to discuss with your child's guidance counselor.
Vote Carefully
Two Board members, Pullano and Royce, will be up for reelection in May 2024. Find out where they stand on the issue. Pullano has told parents that she is not receptive to reviewing the advanced placement programs or placement as of March 2024. In addition, she publicly voted against Unlucky Student #1 when the placement process issues were first raised to the Board in September 2023. Royce was not present for that vote.
Sign the Petition
This petition urges the Manhasset School District Board and Administrators to address concerns around flexibility in the curriculum and transparency of the selection process by aspiring to specific goals.
Sign by clicking here
(You may sign anonymously so that your name does not show publicly, if you prefer. Your name will NOT be shared with administrators unless we email you and get your permission. Please only sign if you are a Manhasset resident.)
Send a Letter
Contact the Superintendent and the Board of Education with your own concerns. A starter letter is here. Download it, edit it, sign it and send a copy to gpassi@manhassetschools.org and boe@manhassetschools.org
Join our Team
Please contact manhassetmath@gmail.com for more information.
