Wizard pride shines at Superintendent’s Conference Day

Wizard pride was on full display Tuesday morning as the Washingtonville cheer team lined the entrance to the high school auditorium, cheering on staff and faculty arriving for the Washingtonville Central School District’s annual Superintendent’s Conference Day. 

Despite the slight chill in the air, the atmosphere inside was warm and full of excitement as teachers and staff reunited to kick off the new school year. The day began with a light breakfast in the high school lunchroom, where colleagues caught up before heading to the auditorium for the official program.

Superintendent Dr. Larry Washington opened the day by welcoming everyone back and giving special thanks to the district cabinet members and directors, the administrative council, the board of education and union representatives. 

“It's very important to me as the superintendent to recognize the people who are part of my team,” Dr. Washington said. “The work of this district is possible because of the people around me, and I want to sincerely thank you all for being such great team members.”

Board of Education President Sharon Williams followed up with an uplifting message, encouraging faculty and staff to meet students where they are and embrace their individuality. 

“All I'm going to ask is that this year we all remain kind,” Ms. Williams said. “Kindness doesn't take a lot. It doesn't require full understanding. It just requires patience, respect and the belief that every child deserves a chance. A word of encouragement today might be the spark that changes a life tomorrow.”

Other speakers included Anthony Finocchio, president of the Washingtonville Teachers Association, Preston Davis, president of the Washingtonville Civil Service Employees Association, and Teresa Thompson, president of the Washingtonville Administrators Association and principal of Washingtonville Middle School.

This year’s conference theme, Dr. Washington explained, is Culture. He spoke about the importance of trust and how it connects to the district’s three priority areas: Student Experience, Community Connection and Academic Excellence. 

“This year, we’re raising the bar,” Dr. Washington said. “Academic Excellence will be at the forefront of our work, but just as important is the culture we create together. Trust, accountability and integrity shape the environment our students and staff experience every day – and that’s what makes Washingtonville a place where people want to be.”
 

Dr. Washington shared updates on the Capital Project, including the completion of several summer projects, and announced that the district will break ground on a new athletic field next month.

The celebration continued with recognition of schools and staff. Washingtonville High School received the Best in Show award for its impact on shifting district practices, while Little Britain was recognized for Best Customer Service for creating a warm and welcoming environment for families and staff. 

Athletic Director Suzanne Lendzian then introduced new staff across the district with the help of Wizard Nation athletes, who appeared in a video welcoming each new hire by building. 

Her introduction included an inspirational message about risk-taking: “This is the year for a big swing – a time for change and a time for growth. If you want to seize an opportunity, you must take a risk.”

In addition to welcoming new teachers, WCSD also recognized faculty and staff who have served the district for 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years.

Adding to the enthusiasm, several teachers shared their excitement for the new year ahead.

“This year, I'm super excited to be doing Shrek Kids with my drama club in the fall,” said Elena Copeland, Taft Elementary music teacher.

“I'm looking forward to seeing my former fourth grade students from Round Hill come up as the new sixth graders,” said Raquel Reyes, WMS technology teacher. “I'm very excited to see them and be able to teach them a really cool subject that I am passionate about.”

“It’s good to be back in the district and to see my team again,” said Cat Giuffra, Little Britain Elementary teacher. “It feels like coming home.”

WCSD wishes everyone a happy school year and is ready to welcome students back on Thursday for another year of learning, growth and Wizard spirit!

 

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New WCSD Staff 

Washingtonville High School
Lindita Cela, Remi Cosentino, Glenn Eckert, Yan Garcia, Anthony Guzman, Julia Maher, Gabrielle Navarro, Jasmin Nunuvero, Cathlene Rivera-Cruz, Shanika Williams-Nelson

Washingtonville Middle School
Jennifer Boffa, Janay Bullard, Danielle Cavagnaro, Andrew Hernon, Silvana Montalvo, Sarah Murray, Kimberly Pagan, Chloe Parker, Renzo Pena-Perez, Kelly Shalian, Carmen Turco, Claudia Vasquez, Jesse Zucker

Round Hill Elementary School
Genesis Almanzar, Katie Box, Dalis Chavers, John Corts, Hope Farruggella, Ashley Flanagan, Anthony Guzman, Caitlin Hulbert, Benjamin Kohn, Erin Mulgrew, Yanira Sandoval, Kortnie Wilkinson, Bradyn Wood

Taft Elementary School 
Clarice Allee, Michael Calderon, Gabrianna Cohen, Tara Danilak, Brittany Davis, Cerez Grant, Jessica Hurst, Jesus Eduardo Moran, Sydney Nicholas, Natasha McKenzie-Nelson, Chantel Owsinki, Kim Pelfrey, Myra Perez, Nicholas Ruth, Amanda Schuepfer, Lauren Toper, Erin Wagner, Hannah Wedekind, Celeste Whitlock, Alyssa Williams, Augustine Valentino, Amy Verdile

Little Britain Elementary School 
Kayla Gonzalez, Benjamin Kohn, Diane Lombardi, Charlotte MacDonald

 

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WCSD Employment Milestones

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Years of Service
Carole Allegro, Frederick Bachman, Charlotte Bowen, Jason Brown, Kathleen Chirichigno, Dina Discepolo, Stephanie Duffy, Donna Foley, Sarah Gates, Kim Heins, Lindsey Krauss, Janet Latouche, James Lofranco, Robyn Luedke, Donna Lynch, Marcel Moreau, Anna Neporanny, Vanessa Palummo, Patricia Raftery, Leah Schuttinger, Michelle Shaffer, Nicole Sookdeo, Maryke Troast, Elizabeth Viviani

 

15 Years of Service
Matthew Cutney, Christine DiVirgilio, Sandra Dominguez, Leyna Gonzalez, Angela Jeroloman, Jennifer Kitson, Kenneth Myers, Christina Novesky, Marianna Sackmann, Michele Santillo, Clotilda Wechsler

 

20 Years of Service
Jason Anson, Laura Giorgio, Patricia Howard, Dyana Matias, Gregory Nacerino, Carol O’Donoghue, Elizabeth Reid, Carrie Rodriguez, Kristen Tramonte, Monica Tuske, Gina Vargetto-Ferguson, John Waldie

 

25 Years of Service
Jacob Bogaczyk, Jennifer Dempsey, Maria Desantola, Kathleen Cintron, Peggy Halayko, Selena Hasbrouck, Lisa Lawrence, Christina McKee, Christine Negri, Jeanna Santagato, Christopher Scali, Robin Schulze, Patricia Secreto, Robert Strommer, Jessica Szeli, Sparrow Tobin, Jennifer Westervelt, Jennifer Wiegert-Burke

 

30 Years of Service
Jeffrey Carola, Cynthia Hillman, Wayne Jennings, Christa Porcaro