Today, Sept. 3, the district welcomed back faculty and 10-month staff in preparation for the first day of school on Thursday, Sept. 5.
Everyone, including 12-month staff, met at the Middle School for gathering hosted by Superintendent Brian Monahan before various meetings took place and faculty/staff returned to their respective buildings for to continue with work on final preparations for Thursday's opening day of school..
As part of the meeting, students representing the Elementary School, Intermediate School and Otisville Elementary led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Students representing the High School Choir sang the National Anthem.
“While most people probably all think of the ‘New Year’ as ‘January 1 thing,’ all of us in education actually get two ‘new years,’” said Superintendent Monahan told faculty and staff. “Both are a fresh start, and an opportunity for all of us to set new goals and seize new opportunities. In the education sector, I believe this also means it’s an opportunity to abandon any difficulties of the prior year and use the 'wins' of the previous year to further our mission of providing the finest education, athletic and co-curricular experience to our students. This new school year also gives us all the opportunity to rededicate ourselves to our educational mission. The Board of Education expects us to do this and our community’s parents expect this. We have a critical obligation to our students to do this as well.
Mr. Monahan reminded everyone they chose to work in the education field because they want to positively impact the lives of those who will be future leaders.
“That ranges from little kindergarteners getting on a school bus for the very first day of school….to the high school seniors who will be having their ‘last’ first day of public school,” he said. “Both groups of parents will probably be teary-eyed on Thursday morning. It’s an enormous responsibility, but I think it’s also an enormous gift to have the ability to be a mentor… teacher… coach… counselor. For those with children, you would want your children to have the same experiences you are giving to your students.”
Mr. Monahan noted the field of education remains a tough, complex and a complicated one.
“It’s a wonder that there are still so many people who remain eager to be a part of it and serve as change agents,” he added. "No matter what your role is, it will not get any easier, but it will remain rewarding. So I’m asking you….to keep perspective, find the good in everything, and to remember the positive impact you will have on students, their families and your colleagues.”
Staff beginning their 25th year of service to the district were also honored. They are:
Janet Antona, High School senior typist
Franklyn Cherry, High School social studies teacher
Lisa Doce, Middle School social worker
Dave Fenner, Buildings & Grounds head custodian
Susan Green, Intermediate School teacher
Sherri Jennings, Otisville Elementary teacher
James Laird, Transportation automotive mechanic
Clifford Loretto, Elementary School music teacher
Jeffrey Malara, Middle School Grade 6 teacher
Marina Marando, Transportation bus driver
Teresia Parker, Middle School computer teacher
Miriam Rivera, High School foreign language teacher
Daniel Whiting, High School social studies teacher