“I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a good teacher.”
Temple Grandin
August 28, 2018
Dear Colleagues,
We await with much anticipation our first days together as a faculty and staff. Day one as educators should be as filled with excitement for us as it is for our students who will be welcomed as they walk through our schoolhouse doors on September 5
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. We are eager to see so many faces returning to school this year. I myself am beginning my fifth year as your superintendent and I consider myself fortunate to serve you, our students, and the Verona community.
Each of you has dedicated yourself to what I believe to be the most noble profession in the world, and to a cause greater than yourself. You maintain high expectations for your students, and most importantly, that same standard for yourself as dedicated educators. As you establish high standards, so it is that our students will rise to the level of expectation that you set for them, but not absent your coaching and guidance. I have seen this firsthand in my time in Verona, and you are living proof of this truth.
Most recently, Verona High School was recognized by NJ Monthly Magazine as one of the top high schools in New Jersey. To all of us, this is no surprise. This is something we already knew. Not only does our high school excel, but so do each and every one of our schools. All of our success, including such distinctions, is the result of the collective efforts of all of our staff Pre-K through grade 12. Our accomplishments are the fruits of our labor, the dedication of our staff, beginning at the elementary level, progressing through critical transition years in our middle school, and culminating in high school with the commitment and effort of our Verona High School staff. We have much to be proud of.
Our staff has been busy all summer getting everything ready. From facility enhancements to curriculum revision and professional development, and most importantly, recharging the battery and enjoying time with family and friends. This summer has also allowed us to welcome a group of talented new educators to our team who will learn from our veteran staff while bringing new ideas to our classrooms. As you return to school, we would be remiss if we did not recognize the tremendous efforts of our summer staff, most notably our custodial, maintenance, technology, administrative assistants, and leadership team, who have been committed to making everyone proud of our spaces for teaching and learning.
We will convene as a district faculty at 7:00 AM on Tuesday, September 4
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in the Verona High School Cafeteria, providing you time to reacquaint with one another after what we hope was a relaxing and enjoyable summer. We ask that everyone please begin making their way to the auditorium at 7:45 am. Convocation will begin promptly at 8:00 AM in the Verona High School Auditorium. The schedule for the day is as follows:
7:00-7:45 Coffee/Continental Breakfast – VHS Cafeteria
8:00-9:00 Convocation – VHS Auditorium
9:00-9:50 VEA – VHS Auditorium
9:50 Staff Report to Respective Schools
10:15-11:20 Faculty Meetings at Each School
11:20-11:50 Lunch on Your Own
11:50-3:20 Teacher Classroom Preparation Time
Enjoy the remaining days of summer. We look forward to seeing you on September 4th.
All my best,
Dr. Rui Dionisio
Superintendent of Schools
