On Thursday, September 1, the Goshen Central School District celebrated its Opening Day ceremonies for faculty and staff in anticipation of the first day of school for students on Tuesday, September 6. The ceremony included a welcome from Superintendent Daniel T. Connor and Board of Education President Judith Green.
Superintendent Daniel Connor welcomed faculty and staff to another school year, and urged them to continue striving for excellence in 2016-17. He spoke about issues of importance, including district-wide objectives, the alignment of goals and a greater understanding of food allergies.
Judy Green, BOE president, began her welcome by asking everyone to be a cheerleader as she called out the names of our each of four schools to the cheers of everyone in the audience.
“Welcome to anyone new and I hope it’s a good move for you. Have a successful first year,” said Green.
Kurtis Kotes, assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction, personnel and technology, honored several faculty and staff members who have served the district for 20 years or more by awarding them a certificate of recognition. The employees received accolades from building principals, department heads, Board of Education members and colleagues.
The following employees were honored for their years of service to Goshen Schools:
20 Years: Cynthia Amador, school bus driver; Lynn Dise, registrar; Stephen Hill, technology/industrial arts teacher at C. J. Hooker Middle School; Sheryl Lynch, grade 1 teacher at Scotchtown Avenue Elementary School; Robert Osburn, school bus driver; Marc Pizzo, art teacher at Goshen High School; Christine Ruggiero, academic intervention teacher at Goshen Intermediate School; Sally Sopalsky, teacher aide at Scotchtown Avenue Elementary School; and Lori Vandermark, school bus driver.
25 Years: Jane Kalleberg, school bus driver; Linda Kowalczyk, school bus driver; Jeri Krish, world language teacher at Goshen High School; Margaret Schumaker, school bus driver; and Nila Vadala, school bus driver.
30 Years: Paul Kowalczyk, head maintenance worker, Buildings & Grounds
35 Years: Angela Hoffman, grade 4 teacher, Goshen Intermediate School
40 Years: Robert Karchawer, social studies teacher, Goshen High School
