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Elmsford Schools Superintendent Ricca Welcomes 2014-15 Year

ELMSFORD, N.Y. -- Elmsford Union Free School District Superintendent Joseph Ricca marked the start of his second year with a Welcome Back Presentation and Superintendent’s Conference with a full  faculty and staff meeting at Alexander Hamilton Jr./Sr. High School on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

Elmsford Union Free School District Mike Colasuonno addresses faculty and administration personnel at a Welcome Back Presentation.

Elmsford Union Free School District Mike Colasuonno addresses faculty and administration personnel at a Welcome Back Presentation.

Photo Credit: Elmsford Schools
Elmsford Schools faculty and administrators met as the school year is set to begin on Sept. 2.

Elmsford Schools faculty and administrators met as the school year is set to begin on Sept. 2.

Photo Credit: Elmsford Schools

Ricca said Board of Education President Michael Colasuonno welcomed the educational community back from the summer recess and highlighted the successes of the district over the past academic year as well as the goals and objectives put forth for the upcoming school year.

"Mr. Colasuonno noted that the faculty and staff have worked hard to provide all EUFSD students with the best possible educational experience and that the Board of Education remains proud to continue to support the teachers’ efforts," Ricca reported. "Mr. Colasuonno further identified the strength of the Elmsford community and the collaborative spirit that has allowed for shared service opportunities and an enrichment of the students’ educational experiences that would not otherwise be possible."

Ricca said the district has collaborated with law enforcement -- Chief Steven Foster and Officer Doug Ramirez were at Tuesday's meeting -- in the interest of public safety on the joint efforts between the village and the district to educate against bullying, The special spirit of collaboration and community was a highlight of Colasuonno's talk.

"Both Mike and I were quick to thank Mayor Williams and the Village Board for their continued partnership in support of our students," Ricca said. "After Mike spoke, I was happy to address the faculty and staff and I focused on our goals for the upcoming year as well as some of the “new” items to which they should look forward."

Ricca highlighted some of the goals and accomplishments in the district as it heads into a new year. 

• Academic classes are being strengthened and reinforced with modifications and realignment of the curriculum to better meet the needs of our students. The district's Strategic Planning Committee recently adopted its 2014 plan (attached) and is looking forward to working toward these goals throughout the academic year.

• Technological upgrades were included in the summer’s work. The district is proud of its new website and has moved all e-mail communication, archiving and document sharing technologies to the Google platform. The wireless system has been strengthened and Chromebooks are available at every grade level to provide enhanced instructional opportunities throughout the district. Professional development opportunities for district staff will take place throughout the year so that faculty and staff members have the support to utilize these technologies in their classrooms to the fullest.

• The district continues to strive to support a climate and culture of success throughout. In addition to the infused character education opportunities at each grade level, students at Grady Elementary will be participating in the OLWEUS program to educate against negative behavior and to support a positive and thriving climate and culture within the school. The grant funded program will strengthen an already robust character development paradigm presently in place at Grady Elementary.     

• Throughout the summer months, a great deal of work was completed throughout the district maintaining the facilities. All of Dixson Primary and many areas and classrooms throughout Grady Elementary and AHHS have been sanded and painted. Work was completed throughout the grounds as well as paving projects to correct areas in need of resurfacing.

"I also took some time discussing our community commitment and the great support our students receive from the Elmsford PTA, the Elmsford Rotary Club, local businesses and community partnerships," Ricca said in his overview. "There is a very special energy in Elmsford and that community connection is critical when working as a Village to educate our children."

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