On Tuesday, Sept. 2, the faculty and staff got together in the Oyster Bay High School Performing Arts Center to celebrate the new school year that lay ahead. Superintendent Dr. Laura Seinfeld set a positive tone for the months ahead and brought an enthusiasm and excitement that was unanimously well received.
First, students Brian Gallagher, Erica Haguisan, Mia DiMeo, Isabel Ramirez and Michael Jorge-Rivera performed a special musical version of the Pledge of Allegiance arranged by Tom Sugar, followed by a group of singing second-graders for a musical selection, “America, of Thee I Sing.”
OBEN Board of Education President Ann Marie Longo delivered a welcoming address and said that the board was very proud of their choice of new administrators hired over the summer, which includes Stephen Valente as the new assistant superintendent for finance and operations, Tim McCarthy as assistant principal for grades 9-12 and Lara Gonzalez as assistant principal for grades 7 and 8.
Dr. Seinfeld recognized new administrators including Assistant Business Official Ryan Butler, Director of Special Services Ellen B. Loewy, and TR Elementary School Principal Tami McElwee.
Josephine Pinnock, president of OBHS Student Council, said, “As we transition into this upcoming year, I ask that you…encourage your students to think actively, and aspire to be the best that they can be. I believe it is really something special when teachers build such strong relationships with their students, thus creating moments they will remember for the rest of their lives.”
Dr. Seinfeld said, “When you think about a challenge you have faced, when you think of a new task to complete, I ask you to consider your mindset in approaching that task. I’m sure that you succeeded because you were motivated to do so…Our instructional program must be relevant to our students’ lives, rigorous so that students are thinking deeply and critically, all in a learning environment that is caring, kind, and supportive, illustrated by respectful and thoughtful relationships.”
