Huntington Faculty Gears Up for
New Year
It's still summer and many are in vacation mode, but Huntington School District teachers and administrators are already in the process of shifting their attention to the looming new school year. Many have visited their respective schools and classrooms while others are busy planning at home.
Principals are slated to report to their offices two weeks prior to the opening of school and teachers are officially due back on Tuesday, September 4 for Superintendent's Conference Day. Classes in all buildings will resume on Wednesday, September 5.
"This is clearly a dynamic time in the field of education at both the state and local levels," Superintendent James W. Polansky told faculty and staff in a recent letter. "The Common Core standards and the new annual professional performance review process are primary among the items that we must address in transition."
Mr. Polansky offered his thanks to "those who contributed this summer in terms of curriculum writing and idea sharing. I remain steadfast in my belief that together we can tackle any challenge and make a genuine difference in the lives of each and every student in our charge."
Facilities staff workers are busy completing various renovation and repair projects and racing to finish the extensive cleaning they have performed in classrooms and offices across the district. Director of Facilities Alvin White said he expects "all systems to be go" when buses roll up on the first day of school.
The district is looking to improve academic performance across the board in 2012/13. "It has been said that once an individual develops a passion for learning, he or she will never cease to grow," Mr. Polansky told faculty members. "It is obvious that you have internalized this premise as educational professionals and that you will continue to promote the same passion among your students. Let us continue to help each student reach his or her academic and social potential. Let us also continue to maintain open channels of communication with students, parents, community members and each other."
New students continue to register with the district. They will be assigned buildings, teachers and schedules. Any kink in bus routes are being ironed out. Supplies and equipment have been pouring into buildings and will be delivered to classrooms and departments in time for the start of classes. Hundreds of new computers and printers have been installed in the district's five elementary grade level buildings and the old models have been taken away.
"It has been a busy, but productive summer in so many regards," Mr. Polansky said. "We extend our appreciation to our buildings and grounds, clerical and technology staffs for their extensive efforts in completing a multitude of summer building projects and computer upgrades, and for readying our schools for a seamless opening."
Many teachers have engaged in summer college study, others have gone on educational trips while some have just enjoyed the down time to recharge their batteries. Mr. Polansky said everyone associated with the district is looking forward to an "exceptional" year.