Huntington High School Faculty Gathers

The Huntington High School faculty gathered together on Wednesday for the first time in more than two months. The theme of the meeting was “educating with equity, empathy and excellence.”

The session was led by new Principal Rochelle Brown who assumed the position after longtime building leader Brenden Cusack was promoted to the position of assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

Serious discussions were mixed in with some fun elements, including raffles and birthday shout-outs. The group discussed goals, attendance, important dates and news you can use, multi-tiered system of support, positive behavioral interventions and support, security and training on workplace violence prevention mandated by New York State.

Teachers took the opportunity to introduce themselves to faculty members they personally don’t know. The building administration and deans were introduced including Ms. Brown, Assistant Principals Gamal Smith and Trish Avelli and Deans Ronald E. Wilson, Julian Watts and Robert Gilmor III.

New faculty members were introduced including Charles Colasanti (choral director), Kyle Engel (world language), Danielle Huertas Rodriquez (school psychologist), Eric Mininni (physical education), Amanda Martin (math), Kimberly Musial (director of fine and performing arts), Bernard Raifer (art), Patrick Reilly (health), Nicholas Savold (computer science) and Jessica Stanzione (special education).

Ms. Brown thanked the facilities staff for its work over the summer and for the many upgrades throughout the building and campus.

What’s the focus this year?

• Educating with equity, empathy and excellence

• Continued attention and focus on student attendance; full day and period absences

• PBIS roll-out

• Implementation and training for advisory/restorative circles for the 2024/25 school year

• High standards and accountability while maintaining an approach of empathy and understanding

• Enhancing and building on social and emotional needs

• Instructional goals; Learning targets and higher order questions

• Continuing restorative practices and building upon our foundation

• Enhancing parent connections and communication