District 13 welcomes teachers and staff

Members of the Board of Education, administrators, teachers and staff in Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen gathered at James A. Dever School for the annual Superintendent’s Conference Day on Sept. 1.

Board of Education President Antoinette “Toni” Pomerantz welcomed everyone and shared her enthusiasm and optimism for the start of an exciting and challenging school year.

“Thirty-three years ago, I was sitting where you are now on my first day of school,” she said. “It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your Board of Education president today. Our goal is to work together as a team to make each and every child successful.”

Valley Stream Teachers Association Co-Presidents Jacqueline Schimmenti and Matthew Stashin also addressed those in attendance. “We will all work together to teach our children socially, emotionally and academically,” said Schimmenti. “We will prepare, promote and inspire all children to succeed.” Added Stashin, “We speak for everyone when we say we can achieve these goals when we all work together.”

Superintendent of Schools Constance D. Evelyn thanked everyone in the district who worked during the summer to ensure that the summer programs were a success and the facilities were ready for the start of another school year. She acknowledged those teachers who had been awarded tenure and welcomed the new teachers joining the district this year. She also stressed the importance of working together to achieve the common goal of educating all students.

“All students are first-class citizens of our school community,” she said. “In Valley Stream Thirteen, we appreciate the value of educating the whole child. We must reconsider how and why we educate our students and teach our children to be successful learners. Our children are our future, and we must prepare our students for success in careers that do not even exist yet.”

During the remainder of the day, the teachers reported to their schools, where they participated in department meetings and spent time in their classrooms preparing to welcome their students.