The Westmoreland Central School District officially kicked off the 2021-22 school year with its annual “Opening Day” on September 1 – the first Superintendent’s Conference Day of the new school year.
To comply with all COVID-19 protocols, including social distancing, all district staff met in the Jr./Sr. High School gym, where they were welcomed by Superintendent of Schools Rocco Migliori and Board of Education President John Acee. As part of his remarks, Superintendent Migliori reviewed the district’s reopening plan for the 2021-22 school year, discussed the federal funding allocated to the district through the American Rescue Plan and Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, described major initiatives for the next year and provided numerous curriculum and instruction updates. A brief presentation was also given by Director of Special Education/District Data Coordinator Bryan Yurka, along with Director of Management Information Systems Matt Cieri and Network Administrator Colby Utter.
“Other than ensuring the health and safety of students and staff, the district’s main goal since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic has been to provide in-person instruction to every student, every day,” said Superintendent Migliori. “I’m elated that we’ve made that goal a reality for the start of the new school year.”
During the day, staff participated in building and department meetings and instructional staff were given time to spend in their classrooms. Like last year, all mandated trainings covering topics such as COVID-19 safety and health protocols, the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), “Right to Know,” mental health and sexual harassment are being offered virtually.
“While I acknowledge some disagree with the State’s mask mandate, the district’s job isn’t to sway opinions; it’s to provide the best instruction possible,” said Superintendent Migliori. “We can agree or disagree with mandates, requirements and what the health experts are telling us, but our students are back in school.”
“So, rather than expending precious time and energy on things we can’t control, it’s my hope we can, collectively, take that same passion and use it to continually improve the way we serve our students because they deserve it,” added Superintendent Migliori.
District staff participated in a second Superintendent’s Conference Day on September 2.
To view more photos from “Opening Day,” click here.