At its latest meeting on Oct. 15, the Elwood School District Board of Education was once again thrilled to welcome individuals back to the middle school auditorium to thank and commend their continued hard work in the reimaging of Elwood schools.
To kick the evening off, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert welcomed the district’s food service workers to stand beside him as he shared a few words about their dedication and commitment to the district. Since school buildings closed in March, the team has worked tirelessly to provide nutritious meals to more than 100 families per day.
“We can’t thank you enough for your support then and your continued support each and every day,” Dr. Bossert said.
Moving along, the board then took time to thank the district’s custodial, building and grounds team for their overwhelming contributions to the reopening of schools in September. Director of Facilities John McDonald noted that each member of his team went “above and beyond the call of duty” when preparing to welcome students back to school.
“We often say that we could not do what we do if they didn’t do what they do,” Dr. Bossert added. “When we come in and the buildings and grounds are ready to go, it’s because they did their jobs effectively. You don’t always notice what they do, but you would absolutely notice if they stopped doing it.”
Members of the Board, including its newest members, Thomas Scarola and Dr. Sara Siddiqui, were also among those to receive thanks in celebration of NYS Board of Education Recognition Week.
On behalf of district administrators, students, faculty and staff, Dr. Bossert said, “I have said many times that being a volunteer member of the school board can be a thankless position, so if we don’t take the time to express our gratitude and say ‘thank you,’ their work may also go without recognition.”
After a brief video tribute, each board member received a plaque, inscribed with their names, as a token of the community’s appreciation. However, according to Board of Education President James Tomeo, the greatest gift is giving back to his community.
“We do it to support you and to make sure that our students and our community flourish,” he said. “We don’t serve in this position for thanks; we do it in collaboration for all of you.”
To conclude the evenings commendations, librarian and student council advisor Alice Wolcott introduced John H. Glenn High School senior Daniel Rourke as the new student liaison to the Board of Education.
As an active member of the school community, Daniel is a member of student council, Freshmen Buddies, Natural Helpers and recently served on the district’s reopening task force.
Following his introduction, he reported that instruction is running smoothly not just at the secondary level but at the elementary schools as well.
He said, “While the year may look different, I am excited to see how we as a district can bring the same academic excellence to mold future generations of leaders.”