Dr. Joseph Lemke, Principal
Dr. Lemke grew up in a home on Utica Street in Íæż½ã½ã, attending the Islip School Íæż½ã½ã. Later, he served as a teacher and building administrator in Islip. In 2012, he joined the Íæż½ã½ã administrative team as Director of Social Studies, K-12 and was appointed as Principal of Brook Avenue School in July, 2019. Dr. Lemke's dissertation research emphasized the historically changing role of the public school teacher. He serves as an adjunct instructor in the History and Education Departments at St. Joseph's College and Long Island University.
Ms. Jennifer Maher, Assistant Principal
Jennifer Maher has dedicated her career to the Íæż½ã½ã School Íæż½ã½ã. She was hired in 2003 as an elementary school teacher at Fifth Avenue School before moving into her current role as Assistant Principal at Brook Avenue School and Fifth Avenue School.
Mrs. Maher’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (Birth-6) with a concentration in Psychology of the Exceptional Child from SUNY Cortland, a Master’s of Education in Literacy (K-12) from Dowling College, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Stony Brook University.
Mrs. Maher has been an integral part of the administrative team at Brook Avenue School and Fifth Avenue School. Mrs. Maher provides a supportive climate that is conducive to teaching and learning. She is committed to implementing innovative teaching practices and fostering a safe and inclusive school culture.
Mrs. Maher’s vision includes continued academic growth, a strong sense of community, and the development of well-rounded students who are prepared for success in an ever-changing world. As a proud parent of two children, Mrs. Maher believes in a partnership between home and school. Mrs. Maher values a collaborative approach, where teachers, parents, and the community work together to create a nurturing and challenging educational experience for all students.