Superintendent's Message

Dear Amityville Residents:

There is probably no single event that stirs as many varied emotions as going back to school at the conclusion of the summer recess. Those of us who work in our public schools, those who attend them and those who parent those who attend them approach the Labor Day weekend with sentiments that range from dread to pure glee. No matter what you are feeling as you read this message, I am sure everyone agrees that the new year is an exciting time that provides for renewal and fresh starts.

We have had an extremely busy summer with the biggest summer instructional program ever, our sports camp, the improvements to our facilities and curriculum and preparing to welcome our students back to school. You’ll be hearing more about these improvements through the local newspaper, district website, The Tide and parent meetings.

I encourage parents and guardians to attend the orientation or back-to-school night scheduled at your children’s schools. Preparing for a new school year can be a little unnerving for parents and students, and this can be a way to ease the transition from summer break to school by meeting with your child’s teacher and learning what he/she has planned for the year.

As we gear up for the 2010-2011 school year, I want to thank all of our hardworking teachers, administrators, para-educators and involved parents and guardians for your efforts on behalf of Amityville’s students. I’m happy to say there’s reason for optimism about the way our schools are heading. Student achievement is improving! An analysis of the past three years of New York State assessment test data clearly shows that our focus on high standards and expectations is working to help students succeed. I know we’re asking a lot of our schools and school staff at a time when budgets are stretched thin. But I’m confident that by focusing first and foremost on improving student achievement – by holding all our students to the same high standards – we’ll continue to improve throughout this school year.

Welcome back to school.

Dr. John R. Willliams
Superintendent of Schools