A back-to-school message from your superintendent

With September rapidly approaching, the first day of school will be here before we know it. As students look forward to seeing what this upcoming school year has in store, local superintendents shared their thoughts with The Islip Bulletin about back-to-school, and what students and parents should expect from this upcoming school year.

Superintendent of Islip schools,
Dr. Dennis O’Hara

IB: What are some of the main goals specific to this school year with respect to academics, arts and athletics?

O’Hara: Regarding academics, we have focused on developing a growth mindset and encouraging all students to challenge themselves. We support and encourage our youngest learners to make daily efforts to improve their math and literacy skills and to embrace failure as an opportunity from which to learn.

At the secondary level, we continue with growth mindset messages and encourage students to push the boundaries and enroll in challenging courses, while also continuing to explore their varied interests through our multiple elective offerings.

Our fine and performing arts programs are robust and vibrant. We continue to work toward increasing participation, guiding students toward brilliant performances and shows, and helping them be in a position to pursue their talents as both hobbyists and professional careers following high school and college.

Our athletics program is designed to cultivate interest and grow participation, while teaching the values of commitment, dedication, perseverance, and grit on the way to more competitive varsity contests. Here too, we aspire for our student-athletes to pursue their passions and continue to compete on the college level.

IB: What advice do you have for parents whose children are attending their first day of preschool in 2024? For the parents of a high school senior?

O’Hara: For parents with preschoolers and parents of seniors, I would initially offer the same sentiment, which is that this is the beginning of something exciting! For the parents of preschoolers, I recommend two books that I believe are must reads: “The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed” by Jessica Lahey, and “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, How We Can Learn to Fulfill Our Potential” by Carol Dweck. Each of these books provides great insight into how children learn to persevere, embrace challenges, and become lifelong learners.

For the parents of our seniors, I would recommend they enjoy the journey and excitement of all that is about to unfold during this time of transition and increasing autonomy and independence. They should be confident that together, they and we have prepared our seniors well for their next steps and that each one will find their way.

IB: How do you think the community can best support the school district?

O’Hara: The best way the community can support our district is to know we are here because we want to make a difference in the lives of all of our students. The success of any school district is dependent upon a strong partnership with families and the community. While we work hard on behalf of our students, we always welcome and look forward to hearing from parents, families, and community members. They have insights and knowledge that help us do better.

Superintendent of Central Islip schools,
Dr. Sharon Dungee

IB: What are some of the main goals specific to this school year with respect to academics, arts and athletics?

Dungee: This year at Central Islip School District, we are focusing on holistic growth – academically, creatively and physically. In academics, our goal is to engage students with challenging and thought-provoking learning experiences that push them to think critically and solve problems creatively.

In the arts, we’re committed to offering our students a platform to express themselves, fostering their creative talents and helping them see the world through different lenses. Athletically, we’re not just striving for excellence in sports; we’re also teaching our students the values of teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship.

But beyond these goals, we’re embedding kindness and an appreciation for diversity into everything we do. Our diversity is our strength, and by celebrating it, we enrich the learning experience for everyone. We’re building an environment where every student feels seen, heard and empowered to succeed.

IB: What advice do you have for parents whose children are attending their first day of preschool in 2024? For the parents of a high school senior?

Dungee: To the parents of our little ones starting preschool, embrace the moment. The first day of school is a big step for both you and your child. It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions, but know that this is the beginning of a wonderful journey of growth and discovery. Encourage your child to explore, be curious and make new friends. These early experiences lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

For the parents of our seniors, this year will be a whirlwind of emotions and milestones. Support your child by being present, offering guidance and encouraging them to savor these final moments of high school. Remind them that kindness is just as important as any academic achievement, and that embracing diversity and understanding different perspectives will serve them well as they move forward in life. Your encouragement and love will help them navigate this exciting chapter with confidence and grace.

IB: How do you think the community can best support the school district?

Dungee: The best way our community can support the school district is by staying engaged and involved. Attend school events, volunteer and participate in discussions that shape the future of our schools.

But more importantly, let’s cultivate a culture of kindness and inclusivity. When we celebrate our diversity and treat each other with respect, we create a nurturing environment where everyone—students, teachers and staff—can thrive. By working together, we can build a school district that reflects the best of our community, one that is vibrant, welcoming and committed to the success of every student.

Superintendent of East Islip schools, Paul Manzo

IB: What are some of the main goals specific to this school year with respect to academics, arts, and athletics?

Manzo: We aim to offer rigorous academic programs that challenge every student while ensuring access and support for all learners.  In the arts, we will continue to provide students with expert instruction, fostering creativity and skill development K-12. Additionally, we are committed to offering inclusive athletic programs that encourage participation and growth for students at all levels. Our focus remains on maintaining high standards while making these experiences accessible to every student in our district.

IB: What advice do you have for parents whose children are attending their first day of preschool in 2024? For the parents of a high school senior?

Manzo: For parents of preschoolers, encourage and embrace your child’s growing independence and curiosity as they take risks and explore new experiences. Support their teachers in guiding this journey by fostering a positive home-school connection. For parents of high school seniors, reinforce school rules and policies to help maintain a safe and secure learning environment for all. Begin early conversations about college, career, or military paths, avoiding last-minute decisions by exploring opportunities together throughout the year. Support your child’s teachers as they work to prepare students for their next steps.

IB: How do you think the community can best support the school district?

Manzo: The community can best support the school district by working patiently and collaboratively with school staff as partners in education. Attending school and Board of Education meetings is vital to staying connected with district happenings and initiatives. By staying engaged and informed, the community plays an essential role in fostering a strong partnership that benefits all students.

Superintendent of Bay Shore schools, Dr. Steven Maloney

IB: What are some of the main goals specific to this school year with respect to academics, arts, and athletics?

Maloney: Our goals in the Bay Shore School District for the 2024-2025 school year include continuing to create an exceptional learning environment that allows all students and staff to feel safe, respected, and supported. We will continue to provide access to comprehensive academic programs and support that allow students to develop the skills necessary to be successful in a global society.

IB: What advice do you have for parents whose children are attending their first day of preschool in 2024? For the parents of a high school senior?

Maloney: My advice for families of incoming UPK students and graduating high school students is the same. Embrace every moment you have with your child because it is going to amaze you how quickly time will go. Engage in your child’s education and in their life, pay attention to the things they are interested in, and make sure they know you are their biggest supporter.

IB: How do you think the community can best support the school district?

Maloney: The Bay Shore School District has enjoyed a long history of collaboration and partnership with the Bay Shore-Brightwaters community. Through that partnership, great things have transpired in our downtown, neighborhoods, and schools. We look forward to continuing to strengthen the relationship between our schools and our community throughout the 2024-2025 school year.

Superintendent of West Islip schools,
Dr. Paul Romanelli

IB: What are some of the main goals specific to this school year with respect to academics, arts, and athletics?

Romanelli: We are continuing to provide opportunities for students to apply their learning in the classroom. We have expanded on our CTE program. We are adding in a welding class at the high school and a precision machining class, and we are looking to align our auto program so that it becomes an accredited CTE program as well.

The theme that we are going to be talking about with the staff is the importance of human connections. With the emergence of AI and all sorts of new technologies, we want to emphasize the importance of new relationships and getting to know our students as individuals. That will be a big focus of the year.

IB: What advice do you have for parents whose children are attending their first day of preschool in 2024? For the parents of a high school senior?

Romanelli: For pre-K, I think it is really important to encourage young learners’ passions and interests. If they are coming home and expressing something they learned about that sparked their curiosity, try to support that at home.

For seniors in high school, it is a really exciting time. Graduating is the first monumental achievement in many kids’ lives. It is so important to support our students to be as independent as possible, so let them take the reins on things and go with it. We have to allow them to gain the independence they will need to be successful in whatever they chose to do with their lives after high school.

IB: How do you think the community can best support the school district?

Romanelli: We encourage you to get involved with the district. We really want to hear your opinions, because it helps us to make better decisions. It can be tough when it is after the fact, we launch a policy, and then people say I do not like this because of X, Y, and Z. So whenever there is an opportunity to let your voice be heard with the district, that is important, and we want to hear what you have to say.