To kick off the 2017-18 school year, Valley Stream District 30 held their annual new teacher orientation from Aug. 28–30. During the first day, the district’s six new teachers were invited to the central district administration office to get to know each other and the district, while also participating in professional development and classroom planning.

New teachers included Christopher Gianesses, Christina Gorey, Ashley Leimsider, Tara Masterson, Steven Navarra and Timothy Rau. They were welcomed by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nicholas Stirling, Director of Special Services Nicole Schimpf, Clear Stream Avenue School Principal John Singleton, Shaw Avenue School Principal Alejandro Rivera and Assistant Principal Christopher Colarossi. 

Dr. Stirling began the orientation by welcoming the new additions to the district and conducting an icebreaker activity for the group to get better acquainted. He also spoke about the district’s strategic plan and goals.  

Throughout the day, the group heard from Steve Jacobs of Nassau BOCES who presented on Project SAVE, health and safety. They also received a visit from Assistant Superintendent for Business Dr. Christopher Dillon and completed classroom preparation and planning with Mr. Rivera and Forest Road School Principal Erin Malone. 

On Aug. 29 and 30, the new teachers joined those going into their second and third year teaching to prepare themselves for the first day of school with workshops and activities to enhance their teaching abilities.