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East Rockaway H.S. Welcomes New Chairperson Of Science Department

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, September 2nd 2025 at 11:01 GMT by Patch
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East Rockaway High School Names Dr. Maria Ruiz as New Chair of Science Department

East Rockaway, N.Y. – In a spirited announcement on Tuesday, East Rockaway High School’s board of education officially named Dr. Maria Ruiz the new chair of the science department. The decision, made at the school’s annual staff meeting, follows a competitive search that highlighted the need for fresh leadership to accelerate the district’s commitment to STEM education and to elevate the school’s already strong science program.

A Legacy of Excellence

East Rockaway High School has long been recognized as one of the top public schools in Nassau County. The science department, in particular, has earned accolades for its high student achievement rates and robust curriculum that blends traditional laboratory work with innovative inquiry‑based projects. In recent years, the department has expanded its offerings to include a robotics club, a makerspace, and a partnership with the nearby Stony Brook University’s Center for STEM Outreach.

“East Rockaway’s science faculty have consistently demonstrated a passion for inquiry and a commitment to rigorous instruction,” said Principal Laura Heller at the announcement. “Dr. Ruiz brings a blend of that same enthusiasm and a track record of programmatic growth that will help us continue to raise the bar.”

Dr. Ruiz’s Journey to East Rockaway

Dr. Ruiz is a 20‑year veteran of secondary science education, having taught biology, chemistry, and physics in several New York City high schools before taking a faculty position at Westchester Academy, where she served as department chair for six years. She holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s in Secondary Education from Columbia University.

During her tenure at Westchester, Dr. Ruiz launched a statewide “STEM Scholars” program that matched students with university mentors and provided hands‑on laboratory experiences. The program’s impact was recognized by the New York State Education Department with a $150,000 grant to expand the initiative. In addition, she spearheaded the creation of a school‑wide robotics curriculum that increased student participation in the FIRST Robotics Competition by 35%.

“Maria is not just an outstanding educator; she is a visionary leader who understands how to build pathways for students to pursue science beyond high school,” remarked Dr. James Patel, director of the New York State Department of Education. “Her approach is data‑driven, collaborative, and always student‑centered.”

A Vision for the Future

In her inaugural address, Dr. Ruiz outlined three core priorities for the department over the next three years:

1. Curriculum Integration and Depth – She plans to expand the Advanced Placement (AP) roster by adding AP Environmental Science and AP Computer Science Principles, while ensuring all courses emphasize real‑world problem solving.
2. Technology‑Enhanced Learning – Dr. Ruiz intends to secure funding for interactive lab equipment and virtual reality simulations, enabling students to explore molecular dynamics and ecological systems in ways that were previously unavailable.
3. Community and Industry Partnerships – The department will deepen collaborations with local businesses, universities, and the East Rockaway Chamber of Commerce to create internship opportunities, mentorship programs, and science fairs that showcase student projects to the broader community.

“We want students to leave East Rockaway High school not just with a diploma, but with the confidence to pursue science and engineering degrees in college and beyond,” Dr. Ruiz said. “By bringing technology into the classroom and connecting students with mentors outside of school, we’re setting them up for success.”

Support from Faculty and Students

The announcement was met with enthusiastic responses from faculty. Science teacher Ms. Olivia Chen shared, “Dr. Ruiz’s leadership style is incredibly collaborative. I’ve already seen a surge in teachers volunteering for cross‑disciplinary projects—physics with art, chemistry with music—that were previously siloed.”

Student representatives echoed the excitement. Senior Alex Ramirez, president of the Science Club, noted, “We’re thrilled to have someone who’s actively worked in university labs and robotics. It makes the whole program feel more connected to real science careers.”

A Look Ahead

Dr. Ruiz’s first official act as chair will be to convene a department-wide planning session in late September, where faculty will outline the new curriculum framework and technology implementation roadmap. Additionally, the school district has earmarked a $200,000 grant for science infrastructure upgrades, part of which will fund the acquisition of high‑resolution microscopes and a state‑of‑the‑art data‑analysis suite.

East Rockaway High School’s superintendent, Dr. Susan L. Torres, expressed confidence that the new leadership will carry forward the school’s tradition of excellence while innovating for the 21st‑century classroom. “With Dr. Ruiz at the helm, we’re poised to elevate our science program to new heights,” she said. “The students, faculty, and community are all in this journey together.”

As the school year approaches, the community anticipates a revitalized science department that will not only deepen students’ knowledge of the natural world but also equip them with the skills to navigate and shape a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Dr. Maria Ruiz’s arrival marks a pivotal moment in East Rockaway High School’s storied history—an era defined by curiosity, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery.

For more information on Dr. Ruiz’s background and the East Rockaway High School science program, visit the school’s website (https://www.rockvillecentre.org/science) and the Nassau County School District’s STEM outreach page (https://www.nassau.edu/teaching-and-learning).