The Valley Stream Central High School District is proud to announce the appointment of Monique Retzlaff as its new Director of Fine and Performing Arts. Bringing more than 25 years of experience as an accomplished arts leader and educator, Ms. Retzlaff will lead the Districtwide instructional program for music, art, theater, and dance, working to further strengthen instruction, align programming, and expand access while maintaining high expectations for all students.
Ms. Retzlaff joins the District from Freeport High School, where she spent nearly two decades as Select Chorale Director. Under her leadership, the Select Chorale performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, Radio City Music Hall, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with consistent student representation at All State, All Eastern, and All National levels. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Queens College, supervising and mentoring future music educators, and remains an active performer with eVoco Voice Collective and was a founding member the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers.
“What motivates me in this role is the transformation I see in students,” Ms. Retzlaff said. “The arts give them a place to take risks, grow, and to begin seeing themselves differently. I have watched students walk in unsure and leave with confidence, discipline, and a real sense of pride in what they have accomplished. It becomes a space where they feel seen and where their voice matters. That stays with them. It is never just about the performance. It is about who they become in the process, and that impact lasts far beyond the classroom.”
In her new role, Ms. Retzlaff said she is focused on building sustainable systems that support both student growth and teacher development.
“Right now, I am focused on listening, observing, and understanding what is already in place across the District,” she said. “My role is to strengthen instruction and ensure teachers feel fully supported in their work. That shows up in how I lead. It means being present, being accessible, and making sure they have what they need, whether that is the resources they deserve or strong backing behind their programs. When that support is in place, the work deepens and students rise to meet it. From there, it is about building alignment across schools and expanding opportunities so students can grow, take pride in their work, and experience the arts at a high level.”
Ms. Retzlaff holds bachelors and masters degrees in Music Education from Queens College and a School Administrator degree from Long Island University.
Director of Fine and Performing Arts Monique Retzlaff.