L-R: Garden City Schools new faculty. On August 29, twenty-eight eager and enthusiastic new teachers gathered at the Administration Building for Teacher Orientation.

Dr. Robert Feirsen, Superintendent of Schools, greeted everyone and introduced district principals as well as the following presenters: Board of Education trustee Colleen Foley and Laurence Quinn; Fino Celano, Assistant to the Superintendent; Dr. Marylou McDermott, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction; John Powell, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance; Susan Kosser, Interim Director of Pupil Personnel Services; Dr. Rita Melikian, Director of Educational Technology and Staff Development; Jacqueline Rogan, District Mentor Coordinator. There were also representatives from PTA, SEPTA and the GCTA.

L-R: Dr. Rita Melikian and Kathryn Ventuleth. In his message to the new faculty, Dr. Feirsen spoke abut the rigorous and intense interview process that the district has and said, “You are the best people for the position you now hold.” He profiled the Garden City Schools as being nationally known as high performing and high quality. Dr. Feirsen profiled residents as having a tremendous sense of community and being highly supportive of the school district. “The parents here know quality education. They have great expectations for their children. They want them to excel in the classroom and in co-curricular activities. Teachers in this district have wonderful opportunities, but also a huge responsibility and challenge. You need to communicate with parents and be a keen observer of your students,” he said.

L-R: John Powell and Stephanie Presti. Dr. Feirsen assured the new teachers that they have a great support system including an active and involved board of education, administration and staff who want to help them achieve and succeed. He suggested that the new faculty become part of the learning community by attending staff development sessions and by reaching out to their colleagues to enrich their teaching and learning skills.

L-R: Deborah Lee - High School; Lauren LiCalzi - Stratford; Janet Rogler - High School; Paris Zaferious - Middle School; Jennifer Iovino - Middle School. Following Dr. Feirsen’s words there was a full day program that focused on district goals, business office policies and practices, special education, staff development, the teacher mentor program, the GCTA program and a tour of Garden City. the following is a list of new administrators and teachers.

L-R: Jeanne Kennedy, Rich Hoffman, Linda Gistedt, Phyllis Unger, Wendy LaMountain.

L-R: PTA President, Jeanine Swartz, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Robert Feirsen, SEPTA President, Maddelena Pittela. L-R: Middle School teachers: Vicky Linardos, Stacey Costigan. Patricia McCartin. L-R: Robyn McBride - Stratford, Lynnette Martella - Middle School; Cynthia Scalfani - Stewart; Carrie Moran - Stewart. L-R: Susan Kosser and Dr. Marylou McDermott. L-R: Scott Walley and Carlo Rebolini. Teachers at the “Right-to-Know” presentation. L-R Front Row: Stratford School - Michelle Ciquera, Lauren Callahan, Melissa Coyne Stratford School. Back Row: Nancy Flatley, Mary Jane Falce. L-R: Front Row: Stephanie Presti - Homestead; Scott Walley - High School; Nancy Gallagher - Middle School. Back Row: Samantha Smith - Homestead; Kathryn Ventuleth - High School.