New District Science Coordinator Selected 

(Freeport, N.Y.) Freeport Public Schools welcomes Dr. Vincent Pereira as District Science Coordinator for grades Pre-K through 12. Dr. Pereira, who holds a bachelor’s, a master’s, and a doctorate degree in chemical engineering, joins Freeport from the New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math High School in New York City. In addition to teaching physics and chemistry, there, he was the science research coordinator and helped his students become semi-finalists in the 2008 Intel Science competition and the 2007 Siemens Math, Science and Technology competition.

“I am very excited to be here in Freeport,” said Dr. Pereira. “I am looking forward to strengthening the science curriculum by offering more rigorous courses, as well as expanding the science research program. I plan to establish links with area universities and work to expand the science program on all grade levels, especially in the areas of astronomy, engineering and physics.”

Dr. Pereira’s scope of experience includes curriculum leadership, community relations and technology. Selected for the Spitzer Teacher Program by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Dr. Pereira took his students to the Spitzer Center at the California Institute of Technology to conduct astronomical research with NASA scientists. He also developed a robotics curriculum with an emphasis on medical robotics for high school students. Reaching out to the community, he arranged biweekly science seminars with professors for students and parents. His technology experience includes exploring the use of ARIS, a data management system that collects and analyzes information about student academic progress.

“We are delighted to have Dr. Pereira join our staff,” said Dr. Kishore Kuncham, superintendent of Freeport Schools. “His extensive background, sharp intellect and ability to motivate students to reach their potential in science are welcome qualities that will lead our students to higher achievement.”

“Dr. Pereira’s passion for the sciences came through in all his interviews,” said Dr. Wafa Westervelt, assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction.  “I am confident he will take our science programs, which are already innovative and successful, to the next level,” she said.

Freeport Public Schools is a diverse, innovative district on Long Island’s South Shore serving about 6,750 students in grades Pre-K through 12. The district and its eight schools take pride in having the region’s only magnet schools of choice, as well as longstanding, award-winning programs. For more on Freeport Schools, visit the Web site at www.freeportschools.org.