School News

Wantagh staff embraces a new beginning

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Upwards of 600 Wantagh School District staff members gathered in the high school auditorium last week for the traditional “Welcome Back” meeting. They were joined by local legislators and community leaders for the unofficial start of the 2014-15 school year.

The hour-long program featured introductions of new teachers and staff members by assistant superintendents Dr. Maureen Appiarius and Adriana Silver. Superintendent Maureen Goldberg, in an 18-minute speech, cited a host of recent student achievements, topped by the class of 2014 earning $2.7 million in scholarships.

She issued a challenge to teachers to improve upon the good that is already happening in Wantagh’s five schools. Goldberg asked them to tap into their own creativity to find new and innovative ways to captivate students. “Try some new things, as often as you can,” she said.

Students learn in many different ways, and Goldberg also called up on her teachers to “differentiate” by finding instructional methods that meet all learners. She noted that it could be a time-consuming process, but is a challenge that must be met to ensure the success of every Wantagh student.

She called upon her staff to ensure that the emotional needs of students are being met, saying, “The impact of a caring teacher cannot be underestimated.”

Other speakers included Board of Education President Anthony Greco, high school Assistant Principal James Brown, Wantagh Supervisors Association President Chris Whitman, and teachers union President Tom Vereline.

Vereline noted that there is “a whole lot” right with public schools, starting with teachers who dedicate their lives to education children. He said many people in the auditorium that day passed on more lucrative careers because teaching was their calling.

Brown reminded his colleagues that change is inevitable in education and while sometimes it can be feared, it is necessary to continue Wantagh’s tradition of excellence. He noted that many of the current staff members worked for the district in the 1990s, when all five buildings were named Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence.