Shoreham-Wading River Central School District administration, faculty and staff reported to the high school auditorium on Sept. 2 to attend the district’s annual Superintendent’s Conference Day. The morning began with a continental breakfast and catching up with fellow staff before the educational community was welcomed into the auditorium to start the 2025-2026 school year.

High school students Jake Donnelly, Lila Grosso, Kate McQuade and Charlie Tacke expertly sang the national anthem to great applause. District faculty who reached a 25-year milestone (Anna Aliperti, Rosalie Burke, Lucille Fedan, Manju Gupta, Susan Ingrassia, Denise Kohart, Robin Nicotri, Janice Opatovsky, Laura Sager and Janice Steski) were honored for their contributions to the district, and retirees and new faculty and staff were recognized.

Additionally, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Instruction and Assessment Alan Meinster introduced Alumni Hall of Fame inductees Bernard Scherer, Diana Wells and Jerry Silverstein, who entertained the audience with an original song titled “Why Teach?” 

Board of Education President Tom Sheridan reminded the community that their attributes provide and lay the foundation for the district’s success and encouraged faculty and staff to consider “what memories and stories will you help students to create?”

Superintendent of Schools Gerard Poole encouraged the SWR community to make time to be joyful throughout the workday. “Joy is important to all of us,” Mr. Poole said. “Joy is about fostering curiosity, excitement and moments of awe.”

The conference also included staff reporting to their respective buildings for professional development programs and workshops in preparation for opening day on Sept. 3.