A Message from Our Principal, Mr. Benny D'Aquila

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dear Jackson Parents,

I am a fortunate principal! Words cannot express how thrilled and eager I am to continue another year with you as Principal at George A. Jackson Elementary School. I am simply brimming over with the excitement and anticipation of once again working with the Jackson students - with their natural curiosity, high energy levels, boundless enthusiasm and exuberance.

As I continue my steps down this “trail,” I feel so privileged to be Principal in a school where students, faculty and parents all share a sense of family and community. Jackson is a school where everyone unites in support of learning. There is a strong tradition of high standards, expectations and creative programs. I feel a sense of great pride to be a member of this wonderful school environment. I look forward to working together with each of you this coming year.

I would like to share some information about my background. I have an undergraduate degree from Queens College in Mathematics and Education and a graduate degree from the Columbia University School of Engineering. After graduation, I worked as an engineer with AT&T Bell Laboratories. After working several years in industry, I decided to fulfill my passion for teaching. I started teaching mathematics at Benjamin Cardozo High School. I was the advisor for the DaVinci Mathematics Research Program and worked with students entering the prestigious Westinghouse Competition (now known as Intel). I then pursued a degree in School Administration and worked as an Assistant Principal of Supervision at Queens Vocational and Technical High School and then at Bayside High School. I served as the President of the New York City Interscholastic Mathematics League. In addition, I worked at Queens College as an Adjunct Lecturer in the evening, teaching all levels of mathematics and also courses for students preparing to teach elementary school.

I initially came to the Jericho School District as a Curriculum Associate for Mathematics and then I served as an Assistant Principal in the Middle School. The broad range of my experiences, both as a teacher as well as a supervisor, enables me to see the connections between the different levels that comprise the academic spectrum. I understand the importance of creating a rich elementary curriculum in order for students to be able to build upon this solid foundation as they advance academically.

At Jackson, we strive to encourage, inspire and challenge students to become active thinkers. There is a proverb that says “Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand.” The Jackson goal is to continually involve students in order to open up their minds and arouse their intellectual curiosity.

The classic themes of respect, responsibility, kindness, and cooperation are integrated into all aspects of the Jackson curriculum. We all understand the importance of establishing a climate to learn – a climate where students are able to attain academic success because they are comfortable socially and emotionally in a nurturing environment.

Jackson offers a broad range of programs that foster intellectual achievement as well as social growth. Technology is integrated into every aspect of the curriculum through the ready availability of classroom computer networks, video on demand, and wireless internet access. The school library offers outstanding resources as an online member of the Nassau BOCES Library Automation and Resource Sharing Service.

Students are involved in exciting field trips and a world language exploratory program. Numerous special events such as Parents as Reading Partners Week, Circus Week, and cultural arts presentations all enhance the Jackson experience for each student.

The faculty is dedicated to the success of each student. There is extensive and ongoing staff training. With an active Student Council and a supportive PTA, the lines of communication between students, teachers, and parents are always open.

Jackson is a school filled with spirited and diverse students working together to attain academic excellence and personal success in a supportive environment. One of our objectives is to incorporate this multiplicity of experiences in order to create a Jackson community of learners. The partnership between an enthusiastic student body, a dedicated staff, and involved parents all make Jackson a uniquely special school.

I look forward to an exciting and stimulating year ahead as Jackson continues to be a school of excellence.

With warmest regards,
Benny D’Aquila

Mail to: bdaquila@jerichoschools.org