The North Shore Middle School was a packed house on Oct. 24, as students, teachers, parents and facility all came out to show their support for the Board of Education as a part of School Board Recognition Week.
Students and teachers from across the district came to the latest board of education meeting to deliver their appreciation for the work that the board of education has done this year. Chris Zublionis, Superintendent of the North Shore School district took time before the ceremony to give his appreciation to the board.
“Our seven trustees bring their diverse outside expertise and dedicate hundreds of hours, maybe thousands each year, to their work for board of education meetings and the many committees and outside events of our school community, so that our district community, and most of all our students are in the best possible position for success,” Zublionis said.
The event kicked off with Kate Gold and Christina McNeely, the Co-Presidents of The North Shore Coordination Council, who were the ones who organized the events for the evening. Gold and McNeely took time before the event to show their gratitude to the board and what this event represents.
“It takes strong schools to build a strong community, and with your commitment to education, school board members, you take on one of the most important citizen responsibilities, overseeing the education of our community’s youth while giving the community a voice and educational decision making. All as unpaid volunteers,” Gold said.
From there, various members from the district would come to honor the board in different ways. The even kicked off with a performance from the North Shore High School choir performing two of their songs from their upcoming winter concert. The choir was then followed by the various principals of the district coming up with their students to thank the board with various gifts hand made by the students.
“As someone who is new to North Shore school district, I had always heard how amazing the school district is,” Thomas Sheehan, principal of Glen Head Elementary School said. “Just being here a few short months, I can truly say how special this place is, and that feeling starts from all of you sitting out here today. You give our teachers, the freedom to be creative and innovative, all while moving and maintaining the highest standards. Having worked in many districts, I have never been as proud as I am now to call a place home.”
Each school from the district had representation at the board meeting, giving their heartfelt thank yous to the various members of the board of education with gifts hand crafted by the students. Students then hand delivered the gifts such as new name plates, charcuterie boards, letters, artwork and gift baskets.
I am happy to be here to recognize the boards hard work and celebrate their dedication as members of board,” Eric Contreras, Principal of the North Shore High School said. “Their tireless leadership for children all their journeys, the work that all of you do is perhaps the most important work in all our communities that educating our children, ensuring their health and well being and promoting citizenship. It is the cornerstone of our work as a community.”
The Board of Education took time after the ceremony to appreciate the members of the community who came out and showed their support for the trustees. Andrea Macari the President of the Board of Education took time to not only thank the community but also her fellow board members.
“We have over 35 years of service on this board and I got to tell you, there are some moments when it gets really rough, and I don’t think there’s anyone up here that hasn’t had a moment where they where they’ve thought, maybe I can’t do this anymore,” Macari said. “We’ve had, had those moments, and I have to tell you, tonight really helps us power through. So thank you for that, that’s the biggest gift that you can give us.”
