The district welcomed back faculty and 10-month staff today, Sept. 2, in preparation for the first day of school on Sept. 3 and the 2025-26 school year.
Everyone, including 12-month staff, met at the Middle School for a gathering hosted by Superintendent Brian Monahan before various meetings took place and faculty/staff returned to their respective buildings to finalize preparations for Wednesday’s opening day of school.
Superintendent Monahan said the new beginnings of a school year offer students a chance for personal growth through new opportunities and experiences, leading to increased motivation and resilience and the ability to move forward with new knowledge, increased confidence and purpose.
“Your role here, no matter what that is, is critical to making sure that happens,” he said. “I know you will.”
As part of his presentation, Mr. Monahan reviewed key elements of the district’s recently adopted, three year Strategic Plan.
To read the Strategic Plan, click here: VISION 2025 Strategic Plan
“Our work is ambitious, but doable,” he stressed. “It will require everyone’s awareness and support. It’s quite possible that many of you will be asked to be part of our work. Your involvement and opinions are important. If you are asked to become involved with this work, please give it every consideration and join us.”
Superintendent Monahan noted everyone has an enormous responsibility to put their best efforts in every day to be the best possible mentor, teacher, coach or counselor.
“For those with children, you would want your children to have the same positive and memorable experiences that you want, and we expect you, to give to your students,” he added. “I want to suggest that, among the many ways to do this, is to simply be enthusiastically driven. Be eager, spirited, energetic, lively, engaged, creative, innovative, involved, tenacious. And, above all, be ‘present.’ Every day and particularly on those hard days. Find the good in everything, and remind your students to do the same. Your time, your energy, your effort makes a difference in the lives of the students we are preparing to be college and career ready.”
During the gathering, employees beginning their 25th year of service to the district were recognized. They are:
Buildings & Grounds
Michael Robertson
High School
Awilda Armato
Paula Conklin
Laura Lalor
Maria Little
Sheree Longcor
Diane Reid
Chris Ruckdeschel
Middle School
Alycia DeVito
Jamie Gallo
Otisville Elementary
Melanie Amatetti
Elisabeth Harrison
Karri Hewlett
Mary Louey
Melissa Manganello
Intermediate/Elementary schools
Lisa Alliegro
Intermediate School
Candace Gale
Melanie Speranza
Justin Swart
Elementary School
Stephanie Hoffman
Elizabeth Padavano
Minisink Valley’s honorees for this fall’s Awards of Excellence, presented by the Mid-Hudson School Study Council were also introduced. They are:
Steve Caldwell, Director of Educational Data and Technology Integration
Judy Moy, Bus Driver with the Transportation Department
Anthony Muccari, Special Education Teacher and Chair of the High School’s Special Education Department
See more photos on the district's Facebook page.