Dave Perotta, Nancy Kalafus, Dr. Robert Feirsen, Adele Bacotti, Frank Banta Administrators, faculty and staff of the Garden City Schools gathered at the high school on Thursday, August 31, for Superintendent's Conference Day. Kenneth Monaghan, Board of Education President, welcomed everyone "Back to School." He reflected on the numerous accomplishments that the district made last year, and anticipates another great year for 2006-2007.

Fino Celano, Assistant to the Superintendent, introduced the new personnel and reviewed their background information. Mr. Celano spoke about the impact a teacher has on the life of a child and how teachers affect the success of their students.

Dr. Theresa Prendergast, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, reviewed the district's mission statement and said that our students deserve opportunities to achieve optimal levels of academic, social and personal success. "As educators, it is our responsibility to help each student develop an enthusiasm for learning, to respect themselves and others, and to ultimately become creative independent thinkers and problem solvers."

Hemlock teachers Dr. Robert Feirsen, Superintendent of Schools, thanked custodial, maintenance and grounds and transportation crews for all the work they did to prepare for the opening of school. He also thanked the clerical and administrative staffs for tending to all the essential details that are so important to open school successfully.

Dr. Feirsen cited the many transitions that took place last year. "We have new personnel, new job titles, a new structure for Pupil Personnel Services, an approach to budgeting that encompasses both a macro close up and a wide angle lens. We expanded options for honors classes at the high school level, we have students studying Spanish in the early elementary grades, and an emerging data mine containing valuable information on students performance. We also developed a process for the systematic review of every curricular and program area, from kindergarten through 12th grade. In addition, every child in grades 3-8 has been tested with statewide exams in English language arts and math."

Administration Building clerical staff In closing, Dr. Feirsen said "Great school districts are the ones that keep getting better. I hope you will join with me as we continue our outstanding track record and reach even higher levels of success. Given the talent and commitment I see before me, the resources of our community, the value parents in Garden City place on education, and those great kids that we serve, I believe it is well within our grasp to be the district everyone in our area seeks to emulate."

Middle School teachers High School teachers Susan Guiliano and Robin Butler Middle School administrators and staff Bus drivers are ready to roll Linda Greene, Laurence Quinn, Karen Weiss Educational Technology Department Linda Norton, Ken Monaghan, Mary Ann Bliss Nora Artibee and Diane Veitch Stewart School staff Albert Chase, Dr. Theresa Prendergast, Linda Norton Catherine Wheeler and Eileen Fredericks Diane Hopkins and Stratford faculty A terrific crew of custodians had the schools looking great for opening day. High School secretaries New teachers are ready to start the 2006-2007 school year Peter Osroff and Middle School staff Stuart Dods, Jim McCrann, Doug Sheer Bus drivers with Transportation Supervisor Tom Murphy Dave Perotta, Judy Alzner, Wendy Bouchard, Kim Hartwick Dr. Theresa Prendergast, Dr. Marie Braccia, Steve Kimmel Fino Celano, Adam Winnick, Dr. Suzanne Viscovich