Amityville Embraces The Tide

One Tide. One Vision. Rising Together.

As the Amityville Union Free School District prepares to welcome students for the 2026-2027 school year, it is embracing The Tide as more than a mascot; it is the symbol of a community moving forward together.

Anchored by the theme "One Tide. One Vision. Rising Together," the district is launching a renewed identity that reflects the collective strength, resilience, and purpose of its students, staff, families, alumni, and community.

Originally restored by the Board of Education in 2025 as a tribute to Amityville's proud history, The Tide has evolved into a powerful representation of the district's future. It embodies the belief that when a community works together, every student has the opportunity to succeed.

"Our preliminary strategic planning work has reaffirmed that our greatest strength is each other," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gina Talbert. "The Tide represents the momentum we create when we unite around a shared vision for our students. Together, we are building a future where every learner is supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their fullest potential."

Throughout the school year, The Tide will be woven into the life of the district, from classrooms and athletic fields to the arts, community events, student celebrations, and district communications. More importantly, it will be reflected in the daily actions that foster belonging, achievement, innovation, and school pride.

The initiative also serves as the foundation for the district's strategic planning process, which began this summer with a districtwide leadership retreat. Guided by Amityville's emerging Portrait of a Graduate, the work is bringing schools and departments together around a common vision while honoring the unique strengths and needs of every student.

One Tide. One Vision. Rising Together is more than a theme for the year; it is a commitment to who Amityville is and who it is becoming. Together, the district is creating a culture where students thrive, educators lead with purpose, families are valued partners, and the entire community rises together.
 

August 20, 2026

Dear Amityville Students, Staff, Families and Community, Hola and Bonsoir,

As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, I am filled with tremendous pride and excitement for what lies ahead for the Amityville Union Free School District. Each new school year brings renewed possibilities, and this year, we move forward with a shared purpose and a clear vision for the future of our schools.

In Amityville, we believe that excellence is achieved when we work together. Our students thrive when they are challenged academically, supported socially and emotionally, and surrounded by adults who believe in their potential. That commitment remains at the heart of everything we do.

This year, we will continue building upon the progress taking place throughout our district. We will strengthen teaching and learning, expand opportunities for our student scholars, celebrate their achievements and ensure that every student feels welcomed, valued and empowered to succeed. We will also continue listening to and partnering with our families and community, because their voices are essential to the work ahead.

Our progress is possible because of the extraordinary people who make up Amityville. I am grateful for our dedicated teachers, administrators and staff who bring their talent and heart to our schools each day. I thank our families for their trust, involvement and partnership. Most importantly, I remain inspired by our student scholars, whose determination, creativity and accomplishments remind us why this work matters so deeply.

As we look toward the future, our focus is not simply on where we are today, but on what we can become together. We will continue raising expectations, creating opportunities and building a culture where excellence is the standard and every student has the support necessary to reach their fullest potential.

We are ONE TIDE, united by ONE VISION, and committed to RISING TOGETHER.

I look forward to another remarkable year of learning, growth and achievement across Amityville.

With Amityville pride,

Dr. Gina Talbert
Superintendent of Schools