Riverhead District Focuses On Goals, Spike In Student Achievement

RIVERHEAD, NY — The new school year was off to a good start Tuesday at the Riverhead Central School District, where an "inspirational" superintendent's conference day focused on betterment, goals and improvement.

Numerous speakers took the podium for the daylong conference, including Sam Schneider, deputy superintendent, and Christine Tona, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, who thanked those in attendance for their dedication to the district’s students.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Aurelia Henriquez referenced the Boy Scout motto, “leave it better than you found it,” as she inspired enthusiasm among those in attendance to strive for better. Her goal, she said, is always to improve the district, and she challenged her colleagues to approach their work with the same mission. “We must always aim to improve others by first improving ourselves,” she said.

Dr. Henriquez also spoke of the strides that the district had made during the summer toward that end, including the creation of district goals that will tie directly into increased student achievement. That work will continue throughout the school year as principals establish action plans, organize data teams, assess student progress more closely and spend time reflecting on how to increase student achievement.

She followed up her comments with the YouTube short film “Upward Climb” by Tom Paynee. The film’s story of perseverance and commitment, said Dr. Henriquez, serves as a reminder of the district’s goal of continuous improvement.

The district also honored 10 staff members for providing 25 years of service to the Riverhead schools, and six staff members for providing 30 years. Additionally, more than 80 new staff members were presented.

The conference culminated with employee recognitions, as Riverhead Middle School teacher Mindy Benze was named Teacher of the Year and Eddie Drayton, Cammie Holfelder, Daniel Hull, Joann Ramirez and Barbara Salmiery were named Staff Members of the Year.

Photo courtesy of the Riverhead Central School District.