On Thursday, Aug. 29, the faculty and staff got together in the Oyster Bay High School Performing Arts Center (The PAC) to celebrate the new school year that lay ahead.
New Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Laura Seinfeld, set a positive tone for the months ahead and brought an enthusiasm and excitement that was unanimously well received. Her message was simple and to the point. Our number one priority is the students. This message was brought home by Dr. Seinfeld’s involvement of students in the opening remarks for this staff development day. Her belief is that when teachers see school through the eyes of the students, they will have a better understanding of how to approach the subject matter in the classrooms.
Dr. Seinfeld’s passion for education and love for the students and staff of the Oyster Bay East Norwich (OBEN) schools is palpable. In fact, several teachers were moved to tears during her opening presentation.
The morning began with students Juliet Bibla, Hannah Kulis, Matthew Mahoski, and Danilo Tumasella, accompanied by Roosevelt’s new music teacher, Meagan Finnerty performing a special musical version of the Pledge of Allegiance arranged by Tom Sugar, music teacher from another district and proud parent of two Oyster Bay students.
The president of the board of education, Ann Marie Longo, delivered a welcoming address on behalf of the school board.
“Please, know that the board of education is committed to setting policy that is focused on the best interests of all students in our district. We put our trust in our superintendent of schools, and all of you, to carry out these policies, always with a focus on maximizing each student’s personal potential for tomorrow’s world.
On behalf of the entire board, thank you for your hard work and commitment to the students we serve and only the best for the new school year,” she said.
The building principals took to the podium to introduce new staff members, and senior Matt Treiber, the student council president, shared his vision for the upcoming school year.
“I am excited to see what we can accomplish if we all work together…it is important that we, and everyone else in all of the schools, remain positive. Competition is great, but only if it is friendly.”
Dr. Seinfeld came to the podium and inspired the crowd with her vision and plans for the future.
She said, “I am thrilled to have been selected to return to this incredible, caring learning community to serve as your Superintendent of Schools… I truly believe that when students, families, staff, and community members feel cared for, anything is possible. Together, this caring learning community stands ready to meet the many challenges facing school districts today.”
She continued, “While our school community is comprised of the many adults, we are here together for one purpose, to provide the best possible educational experience in a caring learning community for each and every one of our students…my wish for all of us, when working with children, young adults, colleagues, family or community members, is that we choose kind. All members of this caring learning community deserve no less.
Only the best for a healthy, joyful, intellectually stimulating, collaborative, and rewarding 2013-14.”
