Community Corner

Readers Remember New Discovery

Readers shared photographs and reminisced about favorite teachers.

 

We thought it would be fun if readers shared their memories and photos of New Discovery pre-school as it prepares to close. Here is a round-up of what our readers had to share.

Katy Cardinale, a local real estate agent and Boy Scout troop leader, sent her children to New Discovery. Here is what she had to say.

Find out what's happening in Kings Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Mrs. June Wagner was a wonderful, caring teacher," said Katy in an email to Patch.  "Mrs. Karen Tuort was great with my older son when he was going through a really rough time.  Mrs. Sylvia Bastone and Mrs. Nancy Fayoud both  taught my younger son and had him referred for early intervention services which was extremely helpful.  The staff there was amazing and the curriculum was even better.  They had academics, gym, art, music and even field trips. Kings Park is losing a great resource."

The following is a round up of readers sentiments found in our comment section.

Find out what's happening in Kings Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"My step mom is a teacher there, So was very dedicated!!"

- "She was the best teacher my child (10 years later) has ever had!! Wish there were more like her! Thank you Mrs. Fayaud!"

- "This was the first school that my son Matthew attended and we have such a heartfelt admiration of the teachers and staff. Miss Bonanno is an energetic, creative and all around outstanding nursery school teacher. We wish her and the the rest of the wonderful staff at New Discovery nothing but the best always. Thank you for all of your love! The Langino family, Kings Park."

-"My mom, Pam Ziccardi, taught there for nearly 20 years before retiring. ND was my children's first taste of school and they were positively impacted as a result. I will be forever grateful to Mrs. Ebert, Mrs. Fayaud and all the other staff (especially my Mom!)"

"Don't forget Mrs. June Wagner... I met my first friend (above poster Dawn's sister!) in a 4 yr old class and was looking forward to sending my own almost-3-yr-old to ND."

-"When i was still a active member of the kings park fire dept .once in a while we would take a fire engine to the school for a show and tell. The kids always loved it."

-"My daughter went there as a 3 y.o. in 1990-1991, and as a 4 y.o. in 1991-1992. Wonderful memories, and teachers, I remember Mrs. Mueller, Mrs. Casey, Mrs Ziccardi, Mrs. Fayaud, Mrs. Abaldo (asst teacher). My daughter ran off to class and enjoyed every minute of it, and I stood in the hall and cried :) My favorite memory is the "field trips" they took , walking with the long rope with hand holds for each child. They went to the mailbox (lol), library and FD!!! I loved that they had a computer room! It was a wonderful start for my daughter in her education, as today she is in Med School!"

-"My daughter Jeana was one of the first year students to attend the Discovery Center in Kings Park when it was first opened around 1982 or 1983. The original teachers were Louise Grazia, Dee Wilkens and Kathy Ebert. It was a wonderful experience and a wonderful preschool. So sad after 29 years that it is closing."

- Miss Bonanno, was the best teacher ever. She was a dedicated and loving teacher to all her students. I know that she will be missed by all!"

-"My two children attended New Discovery and both had Miss Bonanno as their teacher. They loved her and it was obvious that she went above and beyond for the kids in her class. She is the best teacher that they've had and will be missed by the Kings Park community I'm sure. My children still sing the educational songs that they learned there."

Thanks to everyone who shared. If you still have something to share, please add it to our comment section.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here