The talents of Massapequa students reminded more than 700 educators why they do what they do at Superintendent Conference Day on Aug. 27. Administrators, teachers and pupil personnel services professionals gathered in the high school’s Baldwin Auditorium to kick off the 2025-2026 school year.
As staff arrived, they were treated to the piano and vocal stylings of sophomore James Ruiz. For his final piece, the Beatles “Hey Jude,” he asked everyone to join in singing the chorus. Senior Chloe Legate then performed the national anthem.
Superintendent Dr. William Brennan, introduced the theme for the year, “A Paradigm of Potential: The Power of Connection and Community.” He brought the district’s educators back to 1920, when Massapequa was a growing and thriving community with a modest one-room schoolhouse. The vision of the community led to the purchase of land and the construction of the Massapequa Avenue School, now Fairfield Elementary School. That decision marked “a future waiting to unfold, full of potential,” he said.
Dr. Brennan kicked off the school year with an inspirational an uplifting message. The district’s slogan, “Creating Leaders…One Child at a Time,” was at the forefront of his opening day remarks. He highlighted the four commencement speakers from the Class of 2025 graduation ceremony and how they reminisced of the valuable lessons learned and meaningful connections forged with teachers during their time as Massapequa students. They are among the many examples of students who emerged as strong leaders because of the educators who inspired them.
With all the educational staff gathered together, Dr. Brennan introduced new administrators, and also asked all new teachers to stand up. He thanked PTA presidents for their support, then played a video highlighting the district’s summer programs. Additionally, he recognized administrators and teachers for years of service, having them remain standing until four remained whose tenure as educators have each exceeded 35 years.
Board of Education President Kerry Wachter talked about the new energy and new opportunities brought by the start of a school year. In reflecting on the theme, she noted that the word “potential” captures what education is all about.
“Every child who walks into a classroom carries with them the potential to learn, to grow, to become the kind of person who will contribute to their family, to their community and their world,” she said, adding that the district’s administrators, teachers and staff carry with them the ability to inspire, guide and unlock what is already within the students.
Administrative unit presidents Jason Esposito, principal of Berner Middle School, and Mary Elizabeth Velte, assistant principal of East Lake Elementary School, also offered welcoming remarks.
“Everything that we all do together and that we all do with you, we all know is for one thing, it’s all about the kids,” Mr. Esposito said. “It’s all about making sure we give them everything that we have so they can do the best they possibly can with that boundless potential that they have. It’s the foundation behind everything that we do.”
Ms. Velte noted that this year’s theme, “Reminds us that every person who walks through our doors each and every day has and holds that boundless potential. This year’s theme didn’t emerge overnight. It has been fostered, safeguarded and embraced through our daily interactions with one another, with our students, with our families and with our community.”
Rose Stein, PTA Coordinating Council president, explained the role of the PTA in supporting the theme by providing opportunities beyond the classroom. Cultural arts and enrichment programs and activities allow every child to explore who they are and who they can become.
“The power of connection reminds us that student success is never the work of one group alone,” she said. “It is the product of educators and families working in concert, united by a common mission.”
Massapequa Federation of Teachers President Malcolm Gilbert reminded administrators and teachers that play should be an essential part of education, no matter what grade level. When play is taken out, it creates a stressful environment that impacts learning.
“We celebrate play and that’s great,” he said. “We play the piano. We play a role. I’m going to encourage you all to play a little bit more this year, maybe a lot more, because our students deserve it, you deserve it.”
Dr. Brennan spoke about the work in developing the Profile of Massapequa Learner and Leader, noting that it will be fully implemented this year. He wished administrators and teachers a great start to the school year as they prepare to welcome approximately 6,500 students on Sept. 2, including the new kindergartners who are the Massapequa High School Class of 2038.
“I’m really excited about the future of our work together,” he said.