In addition to backpacks, school supplies and face masks, District students toted an abundance of enthusiasm on their entry back into the classroom during two official reopening days of school, held on Sept. 8 and Sept. 10. As the students entered the buildings, their temperatures were checked and hands were sanitized prior to being escorted to their designated classrooms to immediately begin instruction.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani reported that the district’s reopening after the six month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic was smooth with students seated appropriately, mask compliant and engaged in learning. “I am looking forward to growth and improvement as we come to settle in this new normal of teaching and learning,” Dr. Giani said.

Board of Education trustees and President E. Anne Hayes were equally complementary of the smooth opening by administration, faculty and staff. “A lot of thought was put into the process and we were confident in our staff that they would get things done,” Ms. Hayes said. “Through helping each other and pulling together, we will continue to have a strong and productive school year.”

During a three-day orientation program, 14 new teachers were welcomed to the District by the Board of Education and administration on Aug. 19-21. The purpose of the orientation program was to familiarize the educators with the workings of the district and the pandemic protocol put into place for the opening of the 2020-2021 school year.

In addition to a warm welcome by Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and General Administration Nelson Briggs, the new faculty learned about the district’s technology, employee benefits and payroll and took a tour of their own buildings. They also participated in presentations and workshops focused on implicit bias, social emotional learning, reaching parents, creating a culturally responsible learning environment and stress management. Most importantly for the coming year, the district also provided presentations on social distancing and PPE, and distance learning.

The district welcomes the following new faculty and extends much wishes for success in the school year:

Nefe Abamwa – social studies – Bellport High School
Sophia Black – art – Bellport High School
Kiara Braithwaite – art – Kreamer Street
Katelyn Burke – guidance counselor – Bellport High School
Naomi Escobar – speech – Frank P. Long Intermediate and Bellport High School
Ronald Fehr – English – Bellport High School
Romelo Green – social studies – Bellport Middle School and Bellport High School
Juliette Incandela – music – Bellport Middle School and Bellport High School
Emily Kenyon – music – Bellport Middle School and Bellport High School
Cristina Martins – speech – Brookhaven and Verne W. Critz
Dinorka Moreno – elementary/bilingual teacher – Brookhaven and Verne W. Critz
April Orenstein – guidance counselor – Bellport High School
Kirsten Schnabel – science – Bellport High School
Danielle Wilcox – speech – Brookhaven and Verne W. Critz

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