Teachers and staff in the East Greenbush Central School District are excited to welcome back our students for the 2020-21 school year. As we reopen schools this week, staff from around the district shared some welcome back messages.
Monica Barnes
English Teacher – Goff
“I am thrilled to be back at Goff Middle School with all of our students! While this first day of school is different from any first day we have ever experienced, we should take the time to enjoy this milestone. I know this year will be a fresh start with new friends and exciting opportunities. I can’t wait to get started. Welcome back, everyone!”
Meg Condo
School Nurse – Genet
“Our school may be 6 feet apart in distance, but not in heart. Welcome back!”
Pam Corellis
Food Service – Bell Top
“‘Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.'”- Ralph Waldo Emerson.
“I am confident that we will choose a trail filled with success and accomplishments, as together we start the best school year yet. Welcome Back!”
Ricky Cotrona
Head Custodian – Bell Top
“I’d like to welcome everyone back to school, those who I saw the last two days, and those who are learning from home. I hope you all had a great summer, and I am wishing the best to all of you. Have a safe and happy year.”
Chelsea Dyer
English Teacher – Columbia
“I am so grateful to be back together again, and so excited to see our students! My motto for this school year is to ‘ride the wave, and see where it takes us.’ While our school year might feel unpredictable or uncertain at times, we DO have control over how we choose to face it. Whether we each tumble through the wave or ride it gracefully to shore, we will be doing it together and have opportunities to try again each day. Here is to ‘riding the wave’ this year and all arriving safely together on the other side. Welcome Back!”
Michael Harkin
Principal – Columbia
“The entire faculty and staff can’t wait to see our students again and get back to work. We have spent the summer working hard to prepare for this new style of learning. As we approach opening day every square inch of the building has been cleaned and prepared for the safe return of the students. I look forward to a safe and productive year here at Columbia High School.”
Kara Horton
Kindergarten Teacher – Red Mill
“Welcome back to the new school year! This year is extra special for me as I take on a new role as a Kindergarten teacher at Red Mill. The students’ enthusiasm and energy for learning is contagious. I am excited to greet the students as they arrive at school and my virtual students login to our google classroom from home! Kindergarten is an amazing place to be and I am thankful for this opportunity. Thank you to all of our parents for their extra help and support this year as we take on a new and exciting adventure!”
Scott LaGoy
Special Education Teacher – Genet
“We all knew that the 2020 return back to school was not going to be ‘business as usual.’ However the masks, taped hallways, and 6 feet of separation couldn’t stop the excitement and smiles of the students and staff as we walked into Genet after being away for the last six months.”
James McHugh
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
“I am so happy to have our students back with us, learning, growing, and making social connections with their peers. I wish all a very productive and healthy school year.”
Marie Noeth
School Bus Driver Trainer
“The Transportation Department is ready! We have missed our students very much and are looking forward to seeing everyone. This is a very different start to the school year and we will all face challenges. Let’s look out for each other: be patient, be kind.”
Peggy O’Connor
Librarian – DPS
“I am so excited to be back at school and working with the DPS community. We may have to do things differently this year but there’s a lot to read and a lot to learn and I can’t wait to get started!”
Denise Romer
1st Grade Teacher – Green Meadow
“I like to give a big heartfelt ‘Welcome Back’ to all our students, staff, and families in our school community. I have really missed seeing students and my colleagues over these past months. It’s always so exciting to start a new school year. It has been so impressive to witness the positive attitudes, caring thoughts, and professionalism in our school building as staff prepare for the new school year. As we say in first grade, remember to ‘think positive thoughts, speak kind words, and treat everyone with kindness.’ Wishing you all a fabulous school year!”
Jeff Simons
Superintendent of Schools
“Under extraordinary conditions, our families, our teachers, our administrators and our support staff are doing a remarkable job serving students with excellence in a safe environment. Welcome back!”
Heather Zeccolo
4th Grade Teacher (Full Remote) – DPS
“Welcome back East Greenbush students! I am so excited to get the school year started! This year may look a little different, but we are still going to have a lot of fun, make new friends, and experience school in a way that no one has before us. I can’t wait to see all of our students in the hallways, classrooms, and even on the Promethean board in my room! This is going to be an amazing year!”
Auggie
Therapy Dog – Bell Top
“Woof woof” (I missed everyone so much! I can’t wait to see you!)