Superintendent's Message

July, 2017

Dear Residents:

Welcome to the 2017-2018 school year! I am excited to begin my first year as your Superintendent in this amazing District and community. Over the summer I had the opportunity to meet many of you and I am grateful for the warm reception. As I have begun to learn about the community, what stands out is a shared commitment to supporting all students and a strong sense of unity. The contributions by
individuals and community groups to our schools and students are remarkable. I feel privileged to serve this community and look forward to collaborating with all of you to continue to create exceptional educational experiences for all of our students.
 
Our District, staff and students continue to excel, especially at our High School. Last year, Shoreham-Wading River High School was identified nationally as one of the Most Challenging High Schools in America and, for the second consecutive year, due to the superior achievements of our students, was named a Reward School by New York State. Our students won national, state and county competitions in automotive technology, journalism, writing, art, music and athletics. For the third year in a row our Wildcats football team won the Long Island Championship, and our baseball and lacrosse teams advanced to the state quarterfinals! Graduating students are attending the most prestigious schools in the nation, high numbers of students were identified as AP scholars, inducted into the national honor society and through service learning continue to give back to the community. 
 
Many new initiatives began last year as well. The first course in our new High School Advanced Placement Capstone program was introduced successfully; the second course will be introduced this September. Due to excellent fiscal practices, the District received an AA bond rating from Moody’s Investor Services and ground was broken for construction and renovation at the Miller Avenue and Wading River Elementary buildings.  
 
With many new and exciting programs launching in September, we will continue to provide a world-class education for our students. New clubs such as Debate, Robotics, Digital Media and Women in Science and Engineering will be offered to our High School students. This summer, for the first time in Shoreham-Wading River, AP preparatory classes were held to better prepare our students for those rigorous courses. We will also introduce a new science research course and Tri-M Honor Society at the High School. At Prodell, our sixth-grade students will receive Chromebooks as part of our new 1:1 technology initiative and students will be able to take part in our new dance and science clubs. Not to be forgotten, our youngest learners will benefit from a new math program and will have the opportunity to participate in a brand-new world language club. Additionally, progress continues to be made on our “Renewal” bond as we build and renovate our facilities to support excellent learning environments for our students.  
 
Truly, it promises to be an outstanding year for the District and students. I look forward to your continuing partnership. I wish our students and families the very best in the 2017-2018 school year.

Respectfully,