About

Respecting Oceans Culture & Knowledge (ROCK) School is a school proposal project started by local parents of the Rockaways with a deep interest in the well-being of both our kids and community. Our mission is to provide a transformative, whole-child education that empowers students to excel academically, think critically, and become engaged leaders in their community.

Grounded in three core pillars—environmental education, dual-language immersion in Spanish, and social-emotional learning through the arts—ROCK School offers a unique, research-backed approach proven to enhance focus, improve standardized test scores, reduce behavioral challenges, and foster leadership skills. Students will engage in outdoor learning, sustainability initiatives, and arts-integrated social-emotional development, creating a dynamic educational experience that connects learning to the world around them.

Our vision extends beyond the classroom, shaping confident, capable students prepared to navigate an ever-changing world. By cultivating curiosity, cultural awareness, and environmental responsibility, ROCK School will set a new standard for public education in Rockaway—one that reflects the values, needs, and aspirations of the families we serve.

Environmental Education
Students will explore sustainability, climate science, and conservation through hands-on learning. By integrating environmental education across subjects, ROCK School fosters ecological responsibility and critical thinking, preparing students to become future environmental stewards with exposure to green careers. 

Outdoor Learning
Regular outdoor education connects students to nature and enhances focus, engagement, and well-being. Lessons will extend beyond the classroom, incorporating local parks, beaches, and gardens to deepen learning in science, sustainability, and problem-solving.

Dual-Language Immersion (Spanish-English)
Students will develop bilingual proficiency through an immersive Spanish-English curriculum, enhancing cognitive flexibility, cultural awareness, and communication skills. Research shows dual-language programs improve academic achievement and long-term career opportunities, equipping students for a globally connected world.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Through the Arts
Creative expression through music, theater, and visual arts builds emotional intelligence, resilience, and confidence. Arts-integrated SEL supports self-regulation, empathy, and collaboration—essential skills for academic success and leadership.

Water-Safety Instruction
In a coastal community like Rockaway, water safety is essential. ROCK School will provide structured swim instruction and water-safety education, ensuring all students gain lifesaving skills and confidence in aquatic environments.

Special Needs Support (NEST/Integrated Classrooms)
ROCK School will offer inclusive classrooms that support neurodiverse learners through the NEST model and individualized education plans. Dedicated staff will ensure all students receive personalized instruction and thrive in a supportive environment.

Behavioral Support
A full-time behaviorist will work alongside social workers to provide proactive interventions, emotional regulation strategies, and individualized student support. Weekly social work sessions will further reinforce a positive, nurturing school climate.

Financial Literacy
Students will build essential money management skills through age-appropriate financial literacy education. By understanding budgeting, saving, and economic decision-making, students gain the tools to break cycles of poverty and develop financial independence.

As we develop the ROCK School curriculum, we are aligning our core pillars with New York State education standards to ensure academic rigor and compliance. At the same time, we are collaborating with local partners such as the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, RISE (Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity), and the local YMCA to design place-based, experiential learning opportunities that are grounded in the unique culture and ecology of the Rockaways. These partnerships will help us integrate real-world, community-connected learning into our classrooms from the very start.

At ROCK School, sustainability is more than a feature—it’s a foundational value. Along with a team at Penn State, our goal is to design and build a school facility that reflects our deep respect for the environment and models climate-conscious living for our students and community. We are exploring eco-friendly building materials, energy-efficient systems, and green infrastructure such as solar power, rainwater harvesting, and native landscaping. By creating a space that minimizes environmental impact and maximizes connection to nature, we aim to inspire environmental stewardship in our students and demonstrate how schools can be both community anchors and agents of ecological resilience.

As we prepare to launch ROCK School, we are actively seeking passionate, mission-aligned educators and administrators to join our founding team. We’re looking for individuals with expertise in early childhood and elementary education, bilingual education (Spanish/English), environmental science, special education, arts integration, and social-emotional learning. We also welcome experienced school leaders, curriculum developers, and operations professionals who are eager to build an inclusive, innovative learning environment from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity to help shape a school that reflects the cultural, ecological, and creative spirit of the Rockaway community.

Please email rockaway.elementary@gmail.com and provide a brief statement about what role(s) you are interested in along with a resume.