On Tuesday, September 5, the Goshen Central School District celebrated its Opening Day ceremonies for faculty and staff in anticipation of the first day of school for students the following day. 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 2017-18.
Dr. Kurtis Kotes, assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction, personnel and technology, and Jonathan Redeker, K-12 Technology Coordinator and Social Studies Teacher at Goshen High School, spoke about the district’s commitment to instructional technology. Over the summer, 1,824 instructional devices were added to the district’s existing inventory, with universal access to Chromebooks for students at GIS, CJH and GHS, and shared access to Android Tablets, Touch Screen Chromebooks and traditional Chromebooks for students at SAS. The district is committed to using technology to support instruction and creating the best possible education for 21st century learning.
In addition, Dr. Kotes 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 ceremony ended with a humorous musical number performed by Joe Palancia, student services at Goshen High School; William Greene, music teacher at Goshen Intermediate School; Cathy Frahme, English teacher at Goshen High School; and Christopher Tucci, art teacher at Goshen High School.
The following employees were honored for their years of service to Goshen Schools:
20 years of service
- Alan Benson, school bus driver
- Ellen Dickinson, music teacher at CJH
- Louise Giardina, foreign language teacher at GHS
- Margaret Goetze, kindergarten teacher at SAS
- Donna Guarneiri, physical education teacher at CJH
- Heidi Lawrence, math teacher at GHS
- Judy McCarthy, cook manager
- Robert McIntee, physical education teacher at GIS
- Donna Meaney, teaching assistant at GHS
- Wendy Wee, school secretary at CJH
25 years of service
- Linda Clavelle, cook manager at GHS
- Andrew Krish, math teacher at GHS
- William Wright, custodial worker at GHS
30 years of service
- Patricia Capocciamo, sixth grade teacher at CJH
- Frank Kowalczyk, head maintenance worker
- Christopher Tucci, art teacher at GHS
35 years of service
- Janice Gracey, school bus driver
40 years of service
- Carole Griffin, Academic Intervention Services teacher at SAS
