The South Orangetown Central School District officially kicked off the 2022-2023 school year this morning with our Staff Opening Day event!
Teachers and school support staff district-wide gathered at Tappan Zee High School for welcoming addresses from Superintendent of Schools Robert Pritchard, Ed.D., Director of Staff Relations Joseph Lloyd, Ph.D., EASO President William Hughes and Board of Education President Dana Stilley, Ph.D. New staff members and current staff members who received promotions over the summer were introduced by their principals. Recently-tenured staff were acknowledged and will be featured in a social media campaign starting in mid-September.
Lloyd spoke to the importance of collegiality and mutual support. “Not everything in your backpack is yours alone to carry. We share a common goal of providing our students with exceptional educational experiences. Be there for one another.”
Hughes advocated for amplifying the inspirational environment within our schools. “We’re here because teaching is what we’re meant to do,” noted Hughes. “When I step into each of our school buildings, I feel this bubble of youthful joy and energy. We need to continue projecting this joy so that everyone outside the bubble can see it.”
Acknowledging what was his eighth and final Opening Day assembly, Pritchard praised staff for their hard work and dedication. “We have faced some challenges, but we continue to advance our vision. The needs of our children continue to guide and inspire us. And I am confident that the future of our nation is in good hands because of you,” he said.
“I’m a product of this District, K-12, and those memories have always stayed with me. This is going to be an exciting year and the Board of Education is firmly committed to supporting each and every one of you,” stated Stilley.
Following the assembly, staff members headed to their respective offices and schools to prepare for the return of students on Tuesday, September 6. Welcome back!
