The Shoreham-Wading River Central School District welcomed faculty and staff back for the 2026-27 school year on Sept. 1 during Superintendent’s Conference Day at Shoreham-Wading River High School, a day focused on professional learning, collaboration, recognition and building a strong school culture.

The event included recognition of employees celebrating 25 years of service, the introduction of new staff members and the induction of three longtime members of the district community into the Shoreham-Wading River Hall of Fame: former high school nurse Lorraine Esper, longtime Miller Avenue teacher Dan Grable and former teacher and administrator Jack Schwartz.

Superintendent of Schools Gerard W. Poole highlighted the district's strong academic performance while emphasizing the importance of supporting students beyond the classroom.
“Every year due to all of your efforts, our students succeed at extraordinarily high levels academically,” Poole said. “Our academic outcomes, I don't even think tell half the story of the efforts and the energy that you put in to ensuring that the whole child has their needs met and students are here engaged and enjoying their school day.”

Poole also credited district staff for creating an environment where students are excited to attend school.
“You know, students want to come to school here,” he said. “That's because children want spend time with you.”

Grable, who spent 31 years teaching at Miller Avenue School, reflected on his 50-year connection to Shoreham-Wading River while accepting his Hall of Fame honor. He recalled a district that encouraged creativity, innovation and a child-centered approach to education.

“It was still all about the kids,” Grable said. “Three things still remain constant: yellow school buses from September to June, children coming to school on those buses who want to learn, and a teacher in every classroom ready to share their love of learning and the knowledge of their discipline with a new generation.”

The conference's keynote speaker, Dr. Darrin Peppard, challenged educators to focus on school culture and the things they can control as they work to create classrooms where students can thrive. Peppard encouraged staff to find their own “road to awesome” and bring that mindset into the new school year.

“Today, my work here with you is to challenge you to find your road to awesome,” Peppard said. “My road to awesome is different than yours, and I want to challenge you to find that road to awesome.”
As the district prepares to welcome students, Conference Day provided staff with an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the Shoreham-Wading River community while preparing for another year of learning, connection and student success.