Merrick Schools honors star staff members

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The Merrick School District continued its tradition of acknowledging employees for their countless contributions and milestones, while welcoming them back with encouragement for the year ahead during the annual Superintendent’s Conference held on Aug. 31.

The entire district staff gathered at Levy Lakeside School for a morning of presentations and informative sessions. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dominick Palma welcomed all attendees, and Board of Education Vice President Sigal Negrin and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jill Karp addressed the group.

“The most dedicated, hardworking professionals are what we proudly offer at our schools in Merrick,” said Negrin, who borrowed a quote from Maya Angelou when she added, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Dr. Palma and building principals honored five, 10-, 15-, 20- and 25-year employees, and presented special recognitions to others who have held even longer careers in the district. Chatterton School head custodian Kent Erikson, Chatterton School teacher Nancy Russo and Levy Lakeside School teacher Janet Iseman were applauded for providing three decades of service, while Birch School teaching assistant Grayce Godfrey was awarded the Merrick Star as a 40-year employee of the district.

The remainder of the day included meetings and classroom preparations in anticipation for an excellent 2017-18 school year.