Administrators are returning to their offices this week as final preparations for the new school year are underway in Huntington UFSD. Teachers will report for two days of workshops late new week. Contractors are racing to finish renovations at several buildings.
Administrators are devoting two days this week to a lengthy series of workshops, including updates related to curriculum and instruction, business office, technology, security, staffing and procedures, observation and evaluation of faculty and restorative circles, among others.
Teachers will report next Thursday and Friday for workshops, faculty and department meetings, classroom preparations, training and compliance sessions and individual building meetings with Superintendent James W. Polansky.
“Summer seems to fly by more quickly each year, but the anticipation of a fresh, new school year never seems to get old,” wrote Mr. Polansky in a letter to staff members late last week. “I am especially excited about the upcoming year, as it brings with it hope of a return to a greater sense of normalcy following more than two years burdened with pandemic related modifications and challenges.”
Sports teams at Huntington High School kicked off Monday morning. The Blue Devil marching band is in the midst of its annual band camp. Extensive renovation projects at district buildings are nearing completion.
“Our summer hiring process will allow us to welcome a truly terrific group of new faculty and staff members across the district,” wrote Mr. Polansky in his letter. “The summer has additionally featured an abundance of facility upgrades and student enrichment programs as well as a wealth of academic, co-curricular and extracurricular planning. Some of our activities are already underway.”
Some of the summer work has included creation of a new fitness room at the high school and extensive renovations to the auditorium lobby, main hallway and cafeteria hallway as well as a new roof over the cafeteria areas and several other projects in the building. New windows and doors have been installed in various areas.
At J. Taylor Finley Middle School, new gym bleachers have been installed, floor tile has been replaced, the main athletic field has been regraded and sodded and a fence has been installed around it and the parking fields, roadways and curbs have been completed excavated and replaced.
A solar energy project has steadily advanced at Flower Hill Primary School. Ductless air conditioning units have been installed in classrooms across the district. There are new concrete walks behind Woodhull Intermediate School. Two new concrete staircases leading up to the high school tennis court complex have been installed. A large addition to the paved area adjoining the high school gym is underway. It will include additional basketball courts and an outdoor volleyball area.
“For those new to the district, you could not ask for a more talented or collegial group with whom to work,” wrote Mr. Polansky in his letter to staff. “Our students and community could not be in better hands. I am confident that we are collectively prepared to tackle losses and gaps caused by the pandemic and help our students grow and achieve.”