Beginning on Aug. 21, Connetquot schools welcomed 23 new teachers to the district during the four-day new teacher’s orientation.

On day one, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Centamore and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Christina Poppe welcomed the new teachers and gave a presentation on district expectations, lesson planning structure and formal evaluations.

Afterward, school psychologist Dr. Deborah Ramonetti provided a suicide awareness and prevention workshop. Then, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel Reza Kolahifar went over district policies and offered words of encouragement to the new staff.

On day two, department directors and building principals had the chance to meet the new teachers over breakfast. Later, Director of Student Services Joann Pisani, Director of Special Education Laurie O’Hara, Director of Guidance Jessica Yawney Kohler, Director of World Languages and English as a New Language Cheryl Sosa and Tony Felicio from the Connetquot Teachers Union gave presentations. Director of Math and Computer Science Louise Burger introduced the new math curriculum, Envision Math. An overview of all district safety protocols and emergency procedures were also given.

After being given their district-issued Chromebooks or iPads, instructional technology integration specialist Victoria Pappas, district mentor Kristen Fantry and network and Systems Administrator Scott Halford provided an overview of district technology access. District C-Quest teachers Stephanie Russio and Karen Pitka along with Kristen Fantry provided e-school training in regard to attendance, gradebook and report card entry.

District literacy consultants Jackie Sackoor and Shannon Valenti provided a literacy program overview for elementary teachers while English Language Arts Director Danielle Mattina led a discussion with secondary teachers on "literacy across the curriculum."

To round out the four days, second year teachers came to share their experiences of being new to the district last year and were able to share advice. The final day ended with a bus tour around the district.

Connetquot is excited to welcome this new group of outstanding educators to the district for the 2023-2024 school year!

Date Added: 8/28/2023