New year brings new beginnings at schools

As summer winds down and the anticipation of a new school year sets in, Freeport Public Schools welcomed its newest teachers August 21 during the 2023-24 new teacher orientation at Caroline G. Atkinson Intermediate School.

Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Special Projects, Benjamin Roberts opened the first day of the week-long orientation welcoming new teachers and wished them well as they start the new school year.

Freeport Public Schools’ Board of Education President Maria Jordan-Awalom greeted the new teachers.

“We are excited to have you join our Freeport family,” Jordan-Awalom said. “We remind you of the impact that each of you will have on our students. Educating, mentoring, supporting, building our students for success is what all of you are so well trained to do. The Freeport School District is an important part of our village, therefore, you are a vital part of our community. I look forward to seeing you and meeting you throughout the school year.”

Superintendent of Schools Kishore Kuncham enthusiastically provided words of inspiration and motivation.

“We welcome you to our wonderful Freeport School District,” Kuncham said during the ceremony. “Each one of you has the power to be not only great teachers, but true changemakers. As educators, you have the unique opportunity to ignite curiosity, inspire creativity and instill a passion for learning that will last a lifetime. As you embark on this incredible journey know you have the unwavering support of our district and a community that believes in your potential to make a lasting impact.”

In addition to the new teachers, Freeport Public Schools welcomed four student teachers from Adelphi University beginning at Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School and transitioning to Caroline G. Atkinson Intermediate School in February.

For the remainder of the week, Freeport School’s newest educators spent time within their school buildings and classrooms to prepare for the first day of school on Sept. 5.

In a resolute commitment to holistic education, the district is not only dedicated to academic excellence but also to the overall well-being and happiness of each student.

“Diversity, equity, and inclusion will be overarching in all the work that we’re going to be doing,” Kuncham said. “We’re adding key positions to create tremendous support systems, including social workers, guidance counselors, and a college and career guidance counseling center.”

Safety remains a paramount concern for Freeport Public Schools. The district is implementing stringent measures to ensure the well-being of its school community.

“We’re committed to educating the whole child, focusing not only on academic excellence but also the well-being and happiness of every child,” Kuncham said.

Central to the district’s educational philosophy is the aspiration to challenge students to reach their highest potential. The district firmly believes that with the dedication of its educators and support of families, every student will unlock their true potential.

“We will inspire, uplift, and empower the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and change-makers while we are deepening our focus on 21st-century skills embedded in our curriculum from K through 12,” Kuncham said.

Freeport Public Schools has undertaken a comprehensive survey in partnership with Molloy University. With participation from over 2,500 stakeholders, including Board of Education members, administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents, alumni, and community members, the district has crafted a collective vision for student success, known as the “Portrait of a Freeport Graduate.”

This vision outlines the 21st-century skills that Freeport High School graduates should embody upon completing their pre-K through grade 12 education.

Further enhancements for the new school year include significant staffing adjustments and the introduction of innovative educational programs. These measures are designed to meet the evolving needs of students and provide a diverse range of opportunities for growth and development.

The Freeport School District is investing over $29 million in building upgrades and maintenance to ensure that its facilities provide safe, modern, and comfortable environments for learning and growth.

Among the noteworthy enhancements for the 2023-24 academic year are flexible classroom furniture to meet diverse learning needs, the establishment of a new college and career center at Freeport High School.

Students can also look forward to over $130,000 worth of new music instruments and equipment, campus branding throughout the district, and exciting additions to the arts curriculum, including an expansion of the Mariachi program and a new sculpture course at Freeport High School.

Freeport High School will also have cutting-edge video studio with state-of-the-art recording and editing software is under construction at Freeport High School, providing students with opportunities to explore the world of content creation.

New courses offered this year include artificial intelligence, American Sign Language and AP African American studies, plus enhanced courses in English language arts, math and social studies.