East Rockaway staff from all three schools gathered at the high school on Aug. 28 for Superintendent’s Conference Day, an annual event to prepare for the year ahead.

The day opened with updates on school safety, human resources and technology. Alumni and student testimonials followed, along with a surprise guitar performance by Superintendent James DeTommaso. A “Year in Review” slideshow set to Eric Clapton’s “If I Could Change the World” highlighted the district’s achievements.

In his address, Mr. DeTommaso reminded staff of their daily impact. “Whether you’re teaching, cleaning, assisting, comforting, protecting, guiding or simply showing up with kindness – you are changing the world. Every day. Every moment. Every student,” he said.

Staff then took part in a reflective activity by writing one action they could take this year to change a student’s world on star-shaped cards. The stars were collected on large “Kids First – Change a Student’s World” posters, which are now displayed at the entrance of each school as a visible reminder of the district’s mission.

The program also recognized milestones across the East Rockaway team, including welcoming new hires, honoring tenure recipients, awarding 20-year service pins and celebrating staff engagements and births.

Mr. DeTommaso said. “It was about remembering why we do this work together. When we come together with a shared purpose, there is no limit to what we can achieve for our students’ success.”

It was a truly inspiring day that set a positive tone for the year ahead.