Port Washington Kicks off the School Year

Story and photos provided by Syntax

All students in the Port Washington School District officially started their school year on Wednesday.

Many students at South Salem Elementary School arrived by bus and were greeted by staff members, led by new principal Pia Sanchez-Ferrante.

“This year, we’re focusing on character education so that our students don’t just thrive academically, but socially and emotionally as well,” Sanchez-Ferrante said in a statement. “We also have some exciting programs, such as ballroom dancing in the classroom for fifth graders, public speaking lessons for multiple grade levels, and our Planting Fields curriculum that blends art and science.”

The students at Carrie Palmer Weber Middle School were also greeted by a new principal, Christopher Shields. Shields served as the principal of South Salem for the past 11 years and is a long-time Port Washington resident. One of his main focuses this school year is to make sure that students, faculty and parents all feel connected to the school. He stopped by several of the classrooms to welcome the kids back for a successful year ahead.

“Port Washington’s students, teachers and administrators at Daly, Guggenheim, Manorhaven, Sousa, South Salem, Weber Middle School and Schreiber High School look forward to a rewarding school year,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Mooney. “It was a smooth opening to what I know will be a successful year for our students!”

Photos courtesy of the Port Washington School District

• Students at South Salem Elementary School arrive for their first day of school.
• New principal Pia Sanchez-Ferrante greets students at South Salem Elementary School.
• Weber Middle School Principal Christopher Shields kicks off the new year by welcoming students in Mr. Edgar’s art class.