New teachers at orientation. Teacher Orientation, a full-day program that introduces new teachers to the Garden City School District, was held August 25th at the High School.

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Stephen I. Leitman, welcomed everyone and congratulated them on successfully completing a rigorous hiring process. Dr. Leitman spoke about how fortunate the new teachers are to work in Garden City, “We have magnificent children, a very supportive administration and a team of great educators. We’re a district with a mission to educated children. Since this is what you want to do you have found a home.”

Dr. Leitman encouraged the new faculty to respect students, to be consistent-students want consistency; to communicate clearly; to expect a certain performance from students in order to enhance student achievement. “You must continue to learn. Taking advantage of the district’s staff development program can help you accomplish this. There will be many opportunities for you to impact hundreds of lives during your career...this is the reward of being an educator,” he said. Dr. Leitman closed with his favorite quote: “A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”

Shawn Uttendorfer, Patricia Mannion, Millie Joyce, Margaret DiMartino and Philip McCarthy Dr. Marylou McDermott, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, spoke about the Garden City Schools as a community of learners. “This is a wonderful place to teach. We have exceptional children and teachers. Each teacher has a commitment to the Garden City Schools. You need to be the best teacher you can be. You are responsible for and will be caring for our prized possessions...the children of Garden City.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stephen Leitman and new faculty Dr. McDermott reviewed the mission statement and goals of the district. She emphasized the importance of encouraging children, building their ego and applauding their growth. “Be yourself..the best self you can be and put your students on a path to be the best they can be. We want our students to be independent thinkers, readers, writers and note takers when they leave us.”

Primary Asst. Principals Mary Ann Bliss and Susan Giuliano, with William Metkiff and new teachers William Metkiff, Interim Assistant to the Superintendent, suggested that the new teachers never underestimate the impact they have on the life of a child. “Hold on to the passion you have for teaching so you can reach every child in the classroom.”

Hank Hardy meets with new High School teachers Dr. Rita Melikian, Director of Educational Technology and Staff Development, discussed the utilization of technology and how it helps children to learn better. “The technology program reaches every child and enables he or she to be a hands-on learner. Students are taught to think about technology so that it becomes a part of their lives.”

Dr. Melikian discussed the value of participating in the district’s staff development program. “Learning from other teachers, as well as sharing experiences and information, is how growth occurs.”

Teachers meeting teachers at orientation Susan Kosser, Interim Director of Pupil Personnel Services, also stressed the importance of staff development which focuses on learning about children with special needs. “The teamwork of the teacher, parent and school is vital when a child’s need is impacting his or her education.”

John Powell, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance, gave an overview of salary schedules, benefits and other personnel issues.

Hank Hardy - Principal - HS

Ryan Biglin and Amanda Mathers Hank Hardy has a B.A. in political science from North Carolina Wesleyan College, an M.S. in counselor education from Hofstra University, a P.D. in educational administration from L.I.U., C.W. Post College, and is a doctoral candidate in educational administration at Hofstra University. Mr. Hardy has been assistant principal at George W. Hewlett High School from July 1999 to the present. He served as administrative assistant at West Hollow Middle School from 1997 to 1999; guidance counselor at Half Hollow Hills High School East from 1987 to December 1997; assistant dean of students and judicial coordinator at Hofstra University from 1985 to 1987; assistant director of admissions at Hofstra University from 1983 to 1985; and assistant director of admissions at North Carolina Wesleyan College from 1981 to 1983. He has permanent New York State certification as school district administrator, school administrator and supervisor, and school counselor. Mr. Hardy is replacing John Okulski who retired as principal of Garden City High School.

Natasha Kahn and High School Principal Hank Hardy David Perrotta - Assistant Principal - HS

David Perrotta has a B.S. in electrical engineering from the New York Institute of Technology, an M.A. in mathematics in secondary education from the City College of the City University of New York, and a C.A.S. in educational administration from The College of Saint Rose. Mr. Perrotta has been assistant principal at Seaford High School since 2002. He was mathematics teacher at Oceanside High School from 1998 through 2002 and an administrative intern at Oceanside High School from June 2001 through January 2002. Mr. Perrota also served as mathematics teacher at John Dewey High School, Brooklyn, NY from 1995 through 1998 and middle school mathematics teacher at Leonardo Da Vinci Intermediate School 61, Corona, NY from March 1995 through June 1995. Prior to that, he was a systems engineer at Satellite Transmission Systems and CMI-Competitive Solutions. Mr. Perrotta has permanent New York State certification in mathematics 7-12 and school district administrator and school administrator/supervisor. He is being assigned to Garden City High School replacing Thomas Lee who resigned.

Following the moving orientation, new teachers met with building principals. Mary Beyrouty - Permanent Substitute - SA Reading

Dr. Rita Melikian and Ara Muradyan Mary Beyrouty has a B.A. in elementary education and an M.S. in literacy education from SUNY Cortland. Ms. Beyrouty served as a teacher-aide and permanent substitute elementary education teacher at Stratford School during the 2003-2004 school year. She has provisional New York State certification in elementary education N-6. Ms. Beyrouty is being assigned to Stratford School filling in for Mary Freese who is on a leave of absence.

Director of Athletics Nancy Kalafus and Colleen Reilly Ryan Biglin - Permanent Substitute - SA Elementary Education

Ryan Biglin has a B.S. in elementary education and special education from SUNY Geneseo. Mr. Biglin served as a permanent substitute elementary education teacher and teacher-aide at Stratford School during the 2003-2004 school year. He has provisional New York State certification in elementary education N-6 and special education K-12. Mr. Biglin is being assigned to Stratford School filling in for Joan McCarthy who is on a leave of absence.

Department Chairperson Doug Sheer listens to a question from a new teacher Jennifer Birnbaum - Permanent Substitute - HO Elementary Education

Jennifer Birnbaum has a B.A. in elementary education from Hofstra University. Ms. Birnbaum served as a teacher aide at Locust School for the 2003-04 school year. She has provisional New York State certification in elementary education N-6. Ms. Birnbaum is being assigned to Homestead School filling in for Karen Krug who is on sick leave.

Donna Cornelius - Permanent Substitute - SA Special Education

Donna Cornelius has a B.A. in sociology from SUNY Old Westbury and an M.S. in special education from Queens College. Ms. Cornelius served as a special education teacher at the N.Y. Child Learning Institute, College Point, New York since September 2001. She has provisional New York State certification in special education K-12. Ms. Cornelius is being assigned to Stratford School filling in for Melissa Maher who is on a leave of absence.

Ann Costello - Permanent Substitute - SS Special Education

Ann Costello has a B.A. in English from SUNY at Albany and an M.S. in elementary and special education from Adelphi University. Ms. Costello served as a special education teacher at Chestnut Street Kindergarten Center, West Hempstead, NY from September 2003 through June 2004 and as a resource room teacher at Dutch Broadway Elementary School, Elmont, NY from September 2002 through June 2003. She has provisional New York State certification in special education K-12 and elementary education N-6. Ms. Costello is being assigned to Stewart School.

Elizabeth Crimmins - Permanent Substitute - SS Elementary Education

Elizabeth Crimmins has a B.S. in marketing from Fairfield University and an M.S. in elementary education from Molloy College. Ms. Crimmins served as an elementary education teacher at P.S. 186Q, Bellerose, NY for the 2003-2004 school year. She has provisional New York State certification in elementary education N-6. Ms. Crimmins is being assigned to Stewart School filling in for Matthew Gaven who is on a leave of absence from his elementary education teaching position.

Margaret DiMartino - Elementary Education - SA

Margaret DiMartino has a B.S. in elementary education from Adelphi University. Ms. DiMartino served as an elementary education teacher at Woodward Parkway Elementary School, Farmingdale, NY from September 2003 through June 2004, was a building substitute teacher at Jacob Gunther School, North Bellmore, NY from September 2002 through June 2003 and was an elementary education teacher at Gotham Avenue School, Elmont, NY from September 2001 through June 2002. She has provisional New York State certification in elementary education N-6. This is a new position at Stratford School.

Bonnie Eisert - Permanent Substitute - SA Speech

Bonnie Eisert has a B.A. in speech language pathology from St. John’s University and an M.S. in speech language pathology from the University of South Florida. Ms. Eisert has served as a coordinator of speech and language services at The Martin C. Barrell School, Levittown, NY since September 2002 and was a speech therapist at Half Hollow Hills Central School District, Dix Hills, NY from September 1999 through June 2002. She has permanent New York State certification in teacher of speech and hearing handicapped K-12. Ms. Eisert is being assigned to Stratford School filling in for Constance Fischer who is on a leave of absence.

Roberta Ende - Elementary Education - SS

Roberta Ende has a B.A. in English literature and an M.S. in elementary education from Queens College. Ms. Ende served as an elementary education teacher at P.S. 33, Queens, NY since 1997. She has permanent New York State certification in elementary education N-6. Ms. Ende is being assigned to a new position at Stewart School.

Karyn Glickman - Music - SA

Karyn Glickman has a B.A. in music education from Adelphi University and an M.A. in music education from Five Towns College. Ms. Glickman was band instructor at Westhampton Beach Elementary School from 1997 to present and instrumental music teacher, grades four through eight, at Trinity Lutheran School from 1996 to 1997. She has permanent New York State certification in music K-12. Ms. Glickman is being assigned to Stratford School replacing Frank Benvenuto who retired.

Kimberly Greenwald - Permanent Substitute - MS Reading

Kimberly Greenwald has a B.S. in elementary education and an M.S. in special education and reading from C.W. Post College. Ms. Greenwald has served as a special education teacher, sixth grade teacher, and mentor/literary advocate in the Jericho Public School district since October 2001. She has permanent New York State certification in elementary education N-6, special education K-12, and her permanent certification in reading K-12 is pending. Ms. Greenwald is being assigned to the middle school filling in for Christine Condurso who is on a leave of absence.

Nathan Guc - English - HS

Nathan Guc has a B.A. in British literature and an M.A. in English/Secondary education from Hunter College. Mr. Guc served as an English teacher at Martin Luther King, Jr. High School, New York City since 1986. He has permanent New York State certification in English 7-12. This is a new position at Garden City High School.

William Highfill - Social Studies - HS

William Highfill has a B.S. in business finance from Auburn University and an M.S. in social science from the University of Georgia. Mr. Highfill has served as a social studies teacher at Gorton High School, Yonkers, NY since 1999 and was a social studies teacher at St. Catharine Academy, Bronx, NY from 1996 through 1999. He has permanent New York State certification in social studies 7-12. Mr. Highfill is being assigned to the high school replacing Carol McCavitt who retired.

Donald Hilton - Permanent Substitute - SS Elementary Education

Donald Hilton has a B.A. in history/elementary education from Albright College, Reading, PA. Mr. Hilton has served as a substitute teacher in Levittown Public Schools since September 2000. He has provisional New York State certification in elementary education N-6. Mr. Hilton is being assigned to Stewart School filling in for Janice Frankenberry who is on a leave of absence.

Donna Horoski - Permanent Substitute - SA Elementary Education

Donna Horoski has a B.B.A. in marketing and management from Hofstra University and an M.S. in elementary education from L.I.U., C.W. Post College. Ms. Horoski served as a teacher-aide at Stratford School from January 2004 through June 2004 and for the 2002-2003 school year. She has provisional New York State certification in elementary education N-6. Ms. Horoski is being assigned to Stratford School filling in for Deborah Ward who is on a leave of absence.

Carmella Joyce - Permanent Substitute - LO Elementary Education

Carmella Joyce has a B.S. in finance from St. John’s University, an M.B.A. in marketing from Adelphi University and an M.S. in elementary education from Hofstra University. Ms. Joyce served as a substitute teacher in the Garden City, Floral Park-Bellerose, Mineola, and Valley Stream school districts. She has provisional New York State certification in elementary education N-6. Ms. Joyce is being assigned to Locust School filling in for Ginette Kort who is on a leave of absence.

Hannah Kang - Permanent Substitute - HS English

Hannah Kang has a B.A. in English from Columbia University and an M.A. in teaching English from Teachers’ College, Columbia University. Ms. Kang student taught at Mineola Middle School and at the High School of Fashion Institute, New York City, during the 2003-2004 school year. Her initial New York State certification in English Language Arts is pending. Ms. Kang is being assigned to the high school filling in for Joanna Carlson who is on a leave of absence.

Natasha Khan - Permanent Substitute - H Guidance Counselor

Natasha Khan has a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in school counseling from St. John’s University. Ms. Khan performed her counseling internship at Garden City High School from September 2002 through May 2003. She has provisional New York State certification as school counselor. Ms. Khan is being assigned to the high school filling in for Jennifer Sheerin who is on a leave of absence.

Patricia Mannion - Permanent Substitute - HS Science

Patricia Mannion has a B.S. in biology and an M.S. in secondary education from St. John’s University. Ms. Mannion served as a science teacher at Division Avenue High School, Levittown for the 2003-2004 school year and at the Mary Louis Academy, Jamaica, New York from 1988 through 1994. She has permanent New York State certification in chemistry 7-12 and general science 7-12. Ms. Mannion is being assigned to the high school filling in for James Donovan who is on a leave of absence.

Amanda Mathers - Permanent Substitute - HE Elementary Education

Amanda Mathers has a B.A. in history from Molloy College. Ms. Mathers did her student teaching at Boardman Elementary School 9E, Oceanside, NY in the spring of 2004. She has initial New York State certification in elementary education 1-6 and students with disabilities 1-6. Ms. Mathers is being assigned to Hemlock School filling in for Eryn Maher who is on a leave of absence.

Lorraine Mayo - Permanent Substitute - SA Elementary Education

Lorraine Mayo has a B.S. in English/elementary education and an M.S. in education from Molloy College. Ms. Mayo has served as an elementary education teacher at St. Agnes Cathedral School, Rockville Centre, NY, since 1985 and was a third grade teacher at St. Martin of Tours School, Bethpage, NY from 1974 through 1979. She has permanent New York State certification in elementary education N-6. Ms. Mayo is being assigned to Stratford School filling in for Linda Norton who is on a leave of absence from her elementary education teaching position.

Philip McCarthy - Science - HS

Philip McCarthy has a B.A. in geology/environmental science from L.I.U., C.W. Post College and an M.S. in biology from the University of Bridgeport. Mr. McCarthy served as a permanent substitute science teacher at Garden City High School during the 2003-2004 school year. His initial New York State certifications in biology 7-12 and earth science 7-12 are pending. Mr. McCarthy is being assigned to the high school replacing Benjamin Truncale who retired.

Irene Mendonis - Permanent Substitute - SA Elementary Education

Irene Mendonis has a B.S. and an M.S. in special education from Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, PA. Ms. Mendonis served as a part-time special education teacher as well as a teacher aide at Stewart School during the 2003-2004 school year. Her initial New York State certification in elementary education 1-6 is pending. She has conditional provisional New York State certification in special education K-12. Ms. Mendonis is being assigned to Stratford School filling in for Kathleen Gallagher who is on a leave of absence from her full-time teaching position.

Ara Muradyan - Permanent Substitute - HS English

Ara Muradyan has a B.A. in English from SUNY at Stony Brook and an M.S. in Secondary English from L.I.U., C.W. Post College. Mr. Muradyan did his student teaching at Sewanhaka Central School District, Elmont, NY in the fall of 2003 and was a leave replacement teacher at MS 74, Bayside, NY during the spring of 2004. He has provisional New York State certification in English. Mr. Muradyan is being assigned to the high school filling in for Amy Regis who will be taking a leave of absence in October 2004.

Anne O’Hare - Permanent Substitute - HS Speech

Anne O’Hare has a B.A. in communications from Molloy College and an M.A. in speech-language pathology from St. John’s University. Ms. O’Hare served as a speech-language pathologist at the Association for Children with Down Syndrome, Plainview, NY since September 2002. She has provisional New York State certification as teacher of the speech and hearing handicapped as well as a New York State license as a speech-language pathologist. Ms. O’Hare is being assigned to the high school filling in for Tina Othman who is on a leave of absence.

Kevin Pollitt - Permanent Substitute - MS Elementary Education

Kevin Pollitt has a B.S. in sociology from Molloy College. Mr. Pollitt student taught at Locust School and the Middle School during Spring 2004. His initial New York State certification in childhood education 1-6 is pending. Mr. Pollitt is being assigned to the middle school filling in for Karen Nardone who is on a leave of absence.

Kelly Quigley - Permanent Substitute - MSMathematics

Kelly Quigley has a B.S. in mathematics from St. Francis College. Ms. Quigley student taught at Our Lady of Hope Elementary School and Christ the King High School in the spring of 2004. Her initial New York State certification in mathematics 7-12 is pending. Ms. Quigley is being assigned to the middle school filling in for Keith Veltri who is on a leave of absence.

Colleen Reilly - Permanent Substitute - SA Elementary Education

Colleen Reilly has a B.A. in psychology from the University of Notre Dame and an M.S. in education from Fordham University. Ms. Reilly has served as an elementary education teacher at Frances Xavier Warde School, Chicago, Illinois since September 2001. She has provisional New York State certification in elementary education N-6. Ms. Reilly is being assigned to Stratford School filling in for Kathleen Auro who is on a leave of absence.

Katherine Riker - Music - HE/HO/LO

Katherine Riker holds a B.A. in music from SUNY at Potsdam. Her New York State initial certification in music is pending. Ms. Riker did her student teaching at Sand Creek Middle School, Shaker Road and Saddlewood Elementary Schools in Colonie, NY. Ms. Riker is being assigned to the primary schools replacing Michael Guido who resigned.

Kenneth Saint - Social Studies - HS

Kenneth Saint has a B.A. in history from SUNY Stony Brook and an M.A. in liberal studies from Queens College. Mr. Saint has served as a social studies teacher at the Queens High School for the Sciences at York College since September 2002, at Business Computer Applications and Entrepreneurship Magnet High School from September 2000 through June 2002, Harry S. Truman High School from September 1996 through June 2000 where he received tenure, and Valley Stream Memorial Junior High School from September 1995 through June 1996. He has permanent New York State certification in social studies 7-12. Mr. Saint is being assigned to the high school replacing Eileen Maurer who resigned.

Vicki Schaefer - Permanent Substitute - MS Special Education

Vicki Schaefer has a B.A. in psychology from Queens College and an M.S. in special education from L.I.U., C.W. Post College. Ms. Schaefer has served as a special education teacher for Eastern-Suffolk BOCES, Port Jefferson, since September 2001. She has permanent New York State certification in special education K-12. Ms. Schaefer is being assigned to the middle school filling in for Amy Corso who is on a leave of absence.

Marissa Schwartz - Elementary Education - MS

Marissa Schwartz has a B.S. in elementary education from SUNY Oswego and an M.S. in urban and multicultural education from the College of Mount Saint Vincent. Ms. Schwartz has served as an elementary education teacher at Jericho Middle School since September 2003 and at P.S./M.S. 3X, Bronx, NY, from September 1999 through June 2003. She has permanent New York State certification in elementary education N-6. Ms. Schwartz is being assigned to the middle school replacing Tarsha Crotty who resigned.

Jaime Sklar - Permanent Substitute - LO Speech

Jaime Sklar has a B.S. in speech-language pathology from Towson University, Towson, MD and an M.S. in speech-language pathology from Adelphi University. Ms. Sklar served as a speech-language pathologist at Variety Child Learning Center, Syosset, NY since January 2004. She has provisional New York State certification as a teacher of the speech and hearing handicapped. Ms. Sklar is being assigned to Locust School filling in for Patricia Leon who will be taking a leave of absence in October 2004.

Vania Sitruk-Barrios - World Languages - HS

Vania Sitruk-Barrios has a B.A. in French and comparative literature from Queens College and an M.A. in foreign language education from New York University. Ms. Sitruk-Barrios taught French, Spanish, and English at the High School for Environmental Studies in New York City. She has permanent New York State certification in French 7-12 and English 7-12. Ms. Sitruk-Barrios is being assigned to the high school replacing Wilhem Louis who resigned.

Shawn Uttendorfer - Art - HS

Shawn Uttendorfer has a B.F.A. in art education from the School of Visual Arts, New York, NY. Mr. Uttendorfer served as an admissions counselor at the School of Visual Arts from July 2000 through June 2004. He was a permanent substitute art teacher at Merrick/Bellmore School District from September 1998 through June 2000. Mr. Uttendorfer has provisional New York State certification in art K-12. He is being assigned to the high school replacing Jane Rubinstein.

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Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stephen Leitman and new faculty

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Shawn Uttendorfer, Patricia Mannion, Millie Joyce, Margaret DiMartino and Philip McCarthy

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Hank Hardy meets with new High School teachers

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Following the moving orientation, new teachers met with building principals.

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Primary Asst. Principals Mary Ann Bliss and Susan Giuliano, with William Metkiff and new teachers

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New teachers at Orientation

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Teachers meeting teachers at Orientation

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Ryan Biglin and Amanda Mathers

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Natasha Kahn and High School Principal Hank Hardy

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Dr. Rita Melikian and Ara Muradyan

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Director of Athletics Nancy Kalafus and Colleen Reilly

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Department Chairperson Doug Sheer listens to a question from a new teacher