New Port Washington Schools Head Holds FDR-Style 'Fireside Chat'

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Port Washington's new public school superintendent has launched a new initiative, and he's using a tactic that many adults once learned about in grade school.

Michael Hynes, the former superintendent of the Patchogue-Medford School District, was appointed superintendent of the Port Washington School District in mid-July, replacing Kathleen Mooney, who retired.

After a relaxing summer break, Port Washington kids returned to school last week, and Hynes launched his new "fireside chats" initiative Sunday night in the form of a robocall from the schools head.

"Good evening Port Washington families: This is Dr. Michael Hynes calling with your Sunday evening fireside chat," the automated call said.

1st Port Washington Fireside Chat phone call of the 2019/20 school year!

Every Sunday night at 7pm that phone rings pic.twitter.com/FRJWemqH1A
— Michael J. Hynes- Port Supe (@PortSupe) September 9, 2019

In the message, Hynes said he hopes students had an "incredible" first week and enjoyed the weekend.

"Nothing makes me happier than seeing all of the smiling faces in our classrooms," he said.

Hynes lauded the district's athletes, who he said were talented, dedicated and showed great sportsmanship. The superintendent also took a moment to highlight the upcoming financial aid night Tuesday at Paul D. Schreiber Senior High School, as well as the upcoming spirit days, welcome picnics and open houses at the elementary schools.

Hynes ended the call noting Pride in Port Day is coming up, with a Hall of Fame Breakfast planned at Schreiber and the volleyball and football teams slated to play.

"I hope you can attend," he said. "I look forward to seeing everyone there."

The message, which is planned every Sunday night, uses a famed technique used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s. Robert Trout announced on CBS that president wanted to "come into your home and sit at your fireside for a little fireside chat. The first of FDR's famous radio talks was held in March 1933 and talked about the problems and successes of the Great Depression. He later used it to talk about World War II.

The president used the technique during his 12 years in office to connect the White House to American homes.

Hynes told Patch in a phone interview Monday that he brought the practice over from his time in Pat-Med schools. He likes robocalls because they're more three-dimensional than a typical newsletter, which he feels are a bit "antiquated." The fireside chats allow him to give a personalized message to 7,000 families, and they're just one of a few ways he likes to engage with the community, along with his popular "caffeine with Mike" meetings. So far, feedback has been all positive, he said.

"They're very appreciative," said Hynes.

Down the road, Hynes plans to shadow students for a day to see on the ground how they're spending their day and find out what they're experiencing.