Inside Elwood's Superintendent's Conference

Elwood Union Free School District staff members kicked off the start of the 2016-17 school year with a Superintendent’s Conference Day held on Sept. 1.

The day represented the first year in many that all staff gathered in unison to begin the academic year and to hear words of welcome by several leaders in the district. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert began the day by welcoming everyone back and sharing his vision, including a presentation on the many new opportunities that await this coming year.

Board of Education President Mike LaMena also welcomed the staff back and shared his thoughts on the start of the year.

“The beginning of this school year is especially significant for Elwood, as it is the start of a new chapter for our district under the leadership of our new Superintendent, Dr. Bossert,” Mr. LaMena said. “I have absolute confidence that Elwood is embarking on an exciting new chapter that will allow our students to achieve unprecedented levels of success in the classroom, on the athletic fields and across a broad spectrum of extracurricular activities and the arts.”

After hearing welcoming remarks from Dr. Hugh Gigante, Elwood Middle School Principal and President of the Elwood Administrative Association, Joseph Pushee, President of the Elwood Teachers Alliance, and Maureen Hull, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Regent Roger Tilles addressed the Elwood staff.

Regent Tilles shared his thoughts on a variety of important educational issues, including Common Core, student assessments and professional evaluations. He also told an inspiring story about how the influence of one music teacher he had when he was a child ignited his love for the arts. Regent Tilles shared that the impact this teacher had on him was ultimately the inspiration for the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts.

“Any one of us has the opportunity to change the world,” said Regent Tilles. “By doing what you love to do and doing it well, you can touch the lives of tens of thousands of others and you may never even know.”

Staff members concluded the day at their respective schools, meeting with their building leaders and preparing for the students’ first day on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Story by Syntax, Photos courtesy of the Elwood Union Free School District

1. Elwood Union Free School District welcomed Regent Roger Tilles on Sept. 1. From left to right: Board of Education Trustees James Tomeo and Deborah Weiss, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert, Regent Roger Tilles, Board of Education President Mike LaMena, Board of Education Vice President Julia Fried and Board of Education Trustee Heather Mammolito.
2. Elwood Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert welcomed all district staff back for the start of the 2016-17 school year and discussed the many new opportunities that lie ahead.
3. Board of Education President Mike LaMena thanked all members of the Elwood staff for their contributions to the district during Superintendent’s Conference Day.