The halls and auditorium at High School West were filled Thursday, not with students but with teachers, administrators and staff for Superintendent’s Conference Day. Kicking off the conference, President of Smithtown Teachers’ Association, Laura Spencer, praised the educators, telling them, “Thank you for your dedication and professionalism. I wish you a successful, rewarding and inspiring school year. Welcome back.”
Superintendent Mark Secaur then took the stage, thanking our teachers and staff for the positive impact they continue to have on our students. Dr. Secaur encouraged them to continue the efforts of the SCSD initiative, The Smithtown Promise.
"We need to keep that promise and reinforce it. I believe."
SCSD Board of Education Vice President Kevin Craine welcomed the returning staff, telling them, “No one expects you to be perfect…We just ask you show up, lean in and give yourself the same grace you give to your students…This year won’t be perfect but with presence and heart it will be unforgettable for all the right reasons.”
To cap off the event, guest speaker Regina Calcaterra, a former student at St. James Elementary School and attorney and New York Times best-selling author of "Etched in Sand," which details a childhood colored by abuse, hunger, and homelessness, explained how important educators were in helping give her hope for her future and believing in herself.
“You will make a forever impact,” Calcaterra exclaimed.
School begins next Tuesday!
