Greater Literacy a Highlight of Superintendent's Conference Day

In his presentation to newly returned teachers and staff on Aug. 29, Elmsford Union Free School District Superintendent Dr. Marc Baiocco expressed his commitment to strengthening literacy across all grades, specifically at the elementary school level, as well as facilitating continuous improvement in all subject areas and a greater focus on the whole child approach to education.

“I am absolutely passionate about moving the district forward,” he told the staff. “We will hit the ground running with this new literacy initiative.”

The annual Superintendent’s Conference Day event was also a chance to welcome newly hired staff to the district and to congratulate those who have accomplished service and attendance milestones.

Employees who were recognized for their 15 years’ worth of service include Donna Brenna, Veronica Cronin, Elisa Martinez, Lori Schulze, Matthew Simon, Bettina Spargo, Kerry Young, Linda Maselli and Jose Rodriguez; 20 years: Toni Ann Plati, Christine Budzynski, Christine Sanese, Carrie Silva and Gary Stout; 25 years: Susan Muir and Tony Thompson; and 30 years: Cheryl Joseph.

Employees who were commended for their perfect attendance included Tiffany Campbell, Diane Caperna, Joseph Engelhardt, Anthony Florio, Christine Kelly, Jeffrey Olender and Filiberto Veras.

Dr. Baiocco also congratulated the 2017-18 Teachers of the Year who were presented with awards at the June Board of Education meeting. They included Kerri Cilento, a pre-K teacher at the Carl L. Dixson Primary School; Juliana Puma-Shallo, a science teacher at Alexander Hamilton High School; and James Volpe, a second-grade teacher at the Alice E. Grady Elementary School.

New staff members were also announced. They include Raymon Fret, senior office assistant in the Registrar’s Office, and Eduis Rodriguez, the district courier, as well as Roberta Burke, the new school nurse at the Dixson School. Additions at the Grady School include Kathrin Blanch and Mary Ann Marie, special education teachers, Melissa Barrionuevo, dual language teacher, Chris Funke, chorus teacher, and Nikolaus Campbell, band teacher. New AHHS employees include Kacie Schulman, health teacher, and social studies teacher Ryan Sawyer, in addition to Tiffany Nunez, secretary to AHHS Principal Engelhardt.

Dr. Baiocco’s passion for continuous improvement was also a highlight of the presentation, including the district’s continued partnership with local colleges, specifically its collaboration with the STEM Academy at Mercy College. The initiative gives students an opportunity to learn hands-on STEM concepts and skills in a collaborative environment.

The district’s increased graduation rate is also a source of pride, he said. Helping more students graduate with an Advanced Regent’s Diploma is a part of its future plan, he added.

Referring to ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act), which replaced the No Child Left Behind legislation, Dr. Baiocco assured staff that the district is capable of meeting the state’s new accountability requirements.

He told teachers that the EUFSD will surpass the requirements of ESSA through its commitment to maintaining high academic standards, keeping student achievement and attainment front and center, offering evidence of college and career readiness for all students, and making families part of the decision-making process.

“Let’s set high expectations for our students,” he advised them. “And let’s allow our teachers to take calculated risks.”

Following the presentation, teachers from all three schools met with their principals to discuss expectations for the upcoming year.