On Sept. 5, prior to opening day for students, the Island Park Public Schools’ administration and staff members gathered for Superintendent’s Conference Day. Lincoln Orens Middle School’s cafeteria and auditorium were buzzing with enthusiasm as attendees had the opportunity to reconnect, enjoy refreshments and learn about districtwide accomplishments as well as goals.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rosmarie Bovino welcomed new employees, honored longtime staff members who have achieved career milestones, announced position changes and shared exciting updates about those who became new parents and grandparents. She also recognized this year’s SOAR Award recipients – Hegarty teacher Nancy Lester, Lincoln Orens teacher Peter Gillen and district support staff member Sherry Dubler.
Facilities were discussed, as several projects took place during the summer. These included ceiling and floor abatement at Lincoln Orens, kitchen counter replacement at Francis X. Hegarty School and installation of SmartBoards at both buildings.
Dr. Bovino also addressed the topic of data privacy and noted that the district is exploring safeguards associated with new industry standards and best practices, such as encryption, additional firewalls, digital signatures, Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions and password protection that could provide greater levels of security. She then reflected on the valuable roles that each staff member plays in educating and supporting students.
“As faculty and staff members, we do our jobs as best we can with the hope that in some way, the children who graduate our schools will not only become well-adjusted contributing members of society but respond to the care and kindness they have received from us by being caring and kind to others in turn,” Dr. Bovino said. She linked this statement to the famous tune, “With a Song In My Heart.”
“Let us all work together with optimism and perseverance despite the day to day challenges that come our way,” she said. “Let us do all that we can to remove social and academic barriers for students and close their learning gaps. Let us accelerate those who are capable of greater challenge. Let us support and provide guidance to all students and their families as we navigate this ever-changing technological world together. Perhaps most importantly, let us do our work ‘With a Song in Our Hearts.’”
Island Park