For years, the Elwood Union Free School District has created a theme to help guide teachers, staff, students and community members through the upcoming school year. This year’s theme, “Embracing the new normal…together we can,” is no exception.  

To kick off Superintendent’s Conference Day on Sept. 8, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert welcomed his colleagues via video conference and provided them with five words to set the tone for the new year: safety, positivity, flexibility, collaboration and focus. Commending all in attendance for their hard work and dedication, he added, “The race for excellence has no finish line, nor does it pause during a pandemic or cease in a virtual environment.”

Other members of the Elwood community also shared welcoming remarks and words of encouragement, including Board of Education President James Tomeo, Teacher Association President Garrett Chesnoff, Administrators Association President and James H. Boyd Intermediate School Principal Denise Toscano and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Maureen Hull. Each spoke of the importance of equity, acceptance, diversity and inclusion. 

“Equity, acceptance and respect are essential to humanity and humanity is non-negotiable,” Dr. Toscano said.

As in previous years, the district will continue its work with The Long Island Consortium for Excellence and Equity, as well as the Anti-defamation League, to celebrate diversity and create a positive and safe environment for all. 

“We will figure it out together; we will get through this together and we will embrace this new normal,” Dr. Bossert said. “Together we can.”