For the first time since 2019, staff members district-wide gathered at Pine Bush High School for the annual convocation on Wednesday, Aug. 30, kicking off the school year.
The morning started with a continental breakfast and a chance for all to gather and catch up in the cafeteria.
Senior Saige Valentino, a member of the Choir Council, Seraphim Choir, Jazz Ensemble and Wind Ensemble, opened the gathering with an acapella version of the Star Spangled Banner.
Gretchen Meier, board of education president, addressed the large group. She looked at the rain that fell that morning as a symbol of cleansing everything to get ready for the new school year.
“The board of education is so excited for the start of this academic year,” said Ms. Meier. “On behalf of the board, we will be here to support you.”
She said there will be such highs and lows throughout the year and challenged everyone to notice the in-between moments.
Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Amy Brockner made note of the fact that it’s been four years since the district had a full convocation together, rather than at each building. “What a long strange trip it’s been,” she said, referring to the Grateful Dead standard.
There are three priorities that are the main focus for this year:
- Improve data collection
- Improve chronic absenteeism
- Improve family engagement
“We will work on systems and structures to help us move forward,” said Ms. Brockner. “We will support you as you support them. Together we will keep truckin’ on this journey.”
Superintendent Brian Dunn acknowledged the new members of the Pine Bush family as he begins his second year as leader of the district with heartfelt passion.
Mr. Dunn spoke about the district’s goals and the sticker shock it may have had on some. “I want to thank you for working so hard with our students to grow their academic and social proficiency.”
He said there are two items out of our control that will have a big impact on everyone gathered – the test scores yet to be released from the New York State Department of Education and the department’s forthcoming decision on the fate of the Regents exams.
“It is very interesting to think about an educational landscape without Regents exams,” he said.
What we can do is focus on what we have control over, Mr. Dunn said – ourselves.
“So let’s optimize what we can control by aligning and leveraging our individual skills and talents to realize our personal and professional goals,” he said. “Plain and simple – let’s build a culture of optimization with our students and ourselves this year. Let’s hold ourselves accountable for high moral and professional standards; let’s be relentless and tough on ourselves when it comes to our work ethic and follow through and communicate. Let’s be there for our students – show up and be visible! Let’s use our profession and the place where we work as a refuge and place where we thrive and feel connected and purposeful!”
“Let’s believe in our students and show that belief and conviction with our understanding, guidance and of course a well -developed sense of humor-which is the very best medicine for a tough day and a cornerstone of workplace satisfaction.”
He encouraged staff to focus on our district goals which will be adopted by the board of education this month. “Please make them a part of your focus and your culture in your classrooms as appropriate. They are meant and intended for the long term success and growth of the Pine Bush School District to optimize our district’s vast potential and many, many talents.”
Mr. Dunn ended by wishing all staff “a year of growth, challenge and satisfaction as we set our course for another year in the service of our students, families, community and nation.”
Afterwards, the district honored its longtime employees who have served 20, 25 and 30 years in the district. Mr. Dunn also presented the Christopher Bement Memorial Award to Alex Tremper, the district’s director of security.
Have a great school year. We’ve got this, Pine Bush!
Please go to our Facebook page for more photos from the convocation, honoring our longtime staff members and the presentation of the Christopher Bement Memorial Award.