"Revitalization continues in Riverhead, with a new school gearing up to open its doors to children in the fall.

Called the Peconic Community School, the school is spearheaded by the new local nonprofit organization, North Fork Education Initiative (NFEI),  which has plans for a brand now, fully accredited elementary school, open for children in grades kindergarten through 8, said Liz Casey, co-executive director of the NFEI.

The school's mission, she said, is to create a curriculum and programs that focus on the arts, environment, and community."

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Riverhead Patch: New Elementary School to Open in Riverhead, April 30, 2012

"This fall, parents will have a new option for educating their children. The North Fork Education Initiative is opening an independent school with a focus on the arts, community and the environment.  

The Peconic Community School will be located on the campus of East End Arts on East Main Street in Riverhead. This year’s class will include grades K-3 with plans to eventually expand to grade eight.

Founded by sisters Liz Casey and Kathryn Casey Quigley, along with Patricia Eckardt, The Peconic Community School seeks to nurture children’s natural curiosity, imagination and inclination for creativity and play."

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Riverhead Local: Arts-based private school opening downtown this fall, April 28, 2012

"With the lease signed just over a week ago with the in Riverhead, the North Fork Education Initiative's dream of a holistic school based on arts education on the North Fork is a few months away from being a reality.

Elizabeth Casey Searl, co-executive director, said the Riverhead location is ideal because the Peconic Community School's curriculum is arts-based and she is looking forward to a mutually beneficial agreement between the two groups. The school has offered them a large classroom, an arts room, a deck and the grounds to use. She said the proximity to the , and is crucial for the school's plan as well.

'We plan to make the whole area our classroom,' Searle said."

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North Fork Patch: Early Ed, Arts-Based School to Make Downtown Riverhead its Classroom,March 26, 2012