The Shoreham-Wading River School District began the new school year on Sept. 5 during its Superintendent’s Conference Day. Starting the day with a continental breakfast and catching up with fellow staff members, the SWR educational community was welcomed into the SWR High School auditorium with words of kindness and confidence by Superintendent of Schools Mr. Gerard Poole, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Mr. Alan Meinster and Board of Education President Mr. Thomas Sheridan.

Mr. Poole shared a presentation that showed the historic class ring with the words “Unity” and “Progress” embossed on it, tenets that hold true today as the continued connectedness is nurtured throughout the district.

Mr. Poole also introduced three special guests, Mr. Kevin Mann, who retired after 40 years in 2014 as a social studies teacher at the High School; Mrs. Liala Strotman, who ended her 38 years in the District as the principal of Briarcliff School in 2008; and Ross Burkhardt, who taught English and social studies at Prodell until his retirement in 1997. The trio shared a part of the history of the District’s advances in education as part of its 50th anniversary. Mr. Poole then announced them as the inaugural inductees into the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District Alumni Staff Hall of Fame.

As a special surprise, Mr. Poole also welcomed the nationally recognized, award-winning varsity cheerleading team, led by coach Brie Carlen, for a celebratory cheer from the stage to a successful 2023-2024 academic year.

The conference highlights were followed by safety and security training and protocols, mental health resource training and more before staff reported to their respective buildings for building-level meetings in preparation for opening day on Wednesday, Sept. 6.

Date Added: 9/5/2023