Commack Road Elementary School recently received a Long Island Language Arts Council Mini Grant to support Inchy’s Book Worm Vending Machine and the school’s Every Child Gets a Book initiative. The LILAC grant will enable Commack Road to supply enough books so that every student in the school can receive at least one new book this year. Staff members have tokens to reward positive behavior and leadership roles, as well as a token for each student for their birthday and other special days.  

“The spirit of reading and the book vending machine is contagious and brings a smile to anyone who’s around when the book gets dispensed,” reading teacher Christine LeMaire said. “The energy that Inchy’s Book Vending Machine has brought our school is immeasurable and the love of reading spreads. Who doesn’t love a new book, one that they got to choose? Every time the machine is reloaded is like seeing it for the first time. The students can’t wait to go down for their book.”

“Our thanks to our amazing Commack Road PTA for supporting us in this venture,” Principal James Cameron said. “Funds that the students and families raised for the PTA is what helped us to afford this amazing new book vending machine.”

Date Added: 5/26/2023

James Cameron, the principal of Islip’s Commack Road Elementary School, has been selected for the School Administrators Association of New York State’s 2023 Outstanding Educator Award. The award is given annually to a SAANYS member who has made outstanding contributions in New York State schools through public education, professional organizations, or research and writing in the field of education. Cameron and his fellow 2023 award winners were recognized at the annual SAANYS awards celebration on May 5 at the Crown Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel.

Cameron began his career in education as a teaching assistant in 2003. Following a three-year stint as the assistant principal at Islip Middle School, he became principal of Commack Road in 2017. He received his bachelor’s degree from Five Towns College, his master’s degree from the College of Mount Vincent and a post-master’s advanced certificate from Queens College. Cameron serves on the SAANYS board of directors, as advocacy chair for the Suffolk County Elementary Principals’ Association, as an officer of the lslip Association of School Administrators and as a SAANYS representative on the New York State Education Department Digital Learning Advisory Council.

“In order for success to be possible, we must all show up, stand up and speak up if we want to stand out as a community,” Cameron said. “By being your best self and treating others as you would like to be treated, you will be a role model, set an example, be there for each other and hold each other accountable to create the best environment for all.”

“Mr. Cameron is kind, caring, funny and helpful, and these are just a few of the millions of words that describe him,” former student Elizabeth Balsamo said. “He makes Commack Road Elementary a home.”

“James Cameron exudes leadership,” Islip Middle School Assistant Principal Curtis Juengerkes said. “He has established district practice in support of Islip children and families. Mr. Cameron, every day and always, can be observed supporting and serving the children and families who attend his building. He is a gifted and talented leader, which the district of lslip enjoys on a daily basis.”

“Mr. Cameron has worked to develop programs and support systems to meet the diverse learning needs of all students at CRES,” Islip Board of Education trustee Laura Rogacki said. “I am continually impressed by his broad knowledge and his ability to predict and respond to the needs of CRES families and students. He has created an environment of understanding and inclusivity, making students, parents and staff alike welcomed and part of the CRES community.”

Date Added: 5/23/2023