Sewanhaka Central High School District welcomed its teaching staff back to school on Sept. 4 in the auditorium at Sewanhaka High School.
Educators from around the district received inspiration from building leaders, including Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Kathleen Sottile, who shared how integral the district’s teachers are to the student body.
“It is not an exaggeration that an awesome teacher can change a student’s life, and for some of our students you will be the most influential role model they have,” Sottile said.
The professional staff also heard from Board of Education President David Del Santo, Sewanhaka Federation of Teachers President Joseph Grossi, Sewanhaka Central Council of PTAs President Marie Saint Vil and Superintendent Ralph Ferrie, who expressed his gratitude to the educators and his hope for the upcoming school year.
“My dream this year is that you and your students think of school as a place where communities of learners gather to do interesting work that matters. As you greet your students’ tomorrow be certain to help them learn, smile and belong,” Ferrie said.
The school communities also celebrated staff members with 25 years of service to the district including Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Administration John Capozzi and Elmont Memorial typist clerk Jeanine Salierno.
Floral Park Memorial’s audio-visual helper Marinela Crudo, world languages teacher Veronica Powers-Scollo, physical education teacher Michael Spina and social studies teacher Wendy White celebrated 25 years of service.
New Hyde Park Memorial’s special education teacher Lisa Basil, chairperson of social studies Thomas Galvin and special education teacher Marjorie Nemorin-Lyn celebrated 25 years of service.
Sewanhaka High School’s technology teacher John Koscinski and English teacher Karen Walsh celebrated 25 years of service.
Recipients of the Superintendent’s Teacher of the Year award – Elmont Memorial special education teacher Colleen Brown, Floral Park Memorial mathematics teacher Lisa Clark, H. Frank Carey world languages teacher Joanne Molino, New Hyde Park Memorial social studies teacher Renee Madigan and Sewanhaka social studies teacher Michael Sakowich – were also recognized.
