Students, staff, members of the Board of Education and administration of the Freeport School District wore red, white and blue during New Visions School annual Heroes Day ceremony on Sept. 11. All gathered in front of the school to honor and remember those who sacrificed their lives 18 years ago, with members of the Freeport Fire Department and Freeport Police Department in attendance.

New Visions Principal Connie Malcolm-Grant welcomed those who attended and thanked firefighters and police officers for their dedication to the community. Chief of Police Miguel Bermudez and ex-Fire Chief Julius Ellison provided inspiring words and read the names of Freeporters who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. 

The school also held a moment of silence, and then listened to a poem, “Everyday Heroes,” recited by fourth grader Sabrina Turcios.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham provided the closing remarks to the ceremony and thanked members of the fire and police departments for their service and sacrifice. “Today we celebrate and honor all the heroes who have given their lives to continue liberty, freedom and justice for all of us. We honor everyone who has contributed to make America strong. We will continue to be that great country, protecting and spreading democracy around the world.”

Dr. Kuncham urged students to be kind, compassionate, understanding of each other and fearless. “You are the superheroes for all of us and you are the agents of change. Every act, every thought, everything that we do can bring change here and in this world. Become a part of that change.”

The sun was shining brightly as students of the Freeport School District hopped off the buses eager to start their first day of the new 2019-2020 school year.

Students from Columbus Avenue School received a warm welcome from their new principal Alma Rocha, who escorted them off the bus and into the school gymnasium. Freeport High School students were also greeted by their principal Joseph Mille as they scurried to find their homeroom classes. Meanwhile, at Bayview Avenue School, students embraced teachers with open arms, as they carried their school supplies into the building.

The district is thrilled to welcome students back to a new school year. The theme for this school year is Be the Change. Throughout the year, students and staff will have multiple opportunities to be change makers, who make a positive difference in someone’s life.

Freeport High School was a sea of smiles as teachers, staff, Board of Education members and administrators came together for the annual Superintendent’s Conference Day. Before everyone broke off into individual building sessions, the entire staff gathered in the Performing Arts Center to celebrate the start of the school year with an inspiring message from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham. To kick off the event, the Freeport High School Select Chorale led the Pledge of Allegiance and performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” 

Dr. Kuncham began with thanking each building for all they have done for our students, families and community.  “I am always very proud to stand before you, and I extend my deepest thanks to all of you,” Dr. Kuncham said. “Collectively, we make anything possible every single day, and that’s thanks to you for being committed, caring and supportive.”

Dr. Kuncham stated the district has much to celebrate as we continue to drive our work. “We have made significant gains in the New York State Grades 3-8 assessments and we continue to maintain our graduation rate. We are closing achievement gaps in all areas effectively. Our teachers and staff in Freeport play a vital role in helping students not only reach, but exceed their potential. As always, our top priority will be the well-being, health, and safety of our children. We will continue to focus on our goals, strategic plan, and strengthen and deepen our initiatives that will lead to continuous improvement of academic rigor and higher achievement.”

Dr. Kuncham shared that the theme for the 2019-20 school year is “Be the Change.” Everyone can be a change maker every day. He stressed the importance of being a mentor, role model and a positive influence in the lives of all students. 

“Every child is beautiful, and every child is a treasure,” Dr. Kuncham added. “We are here to unlock their genius, and we have it in our power to unleash their greatness upon the world. Let’s be the change.”

Board President Ernest Kight Jr. welcomed everyone back on behalf of the board of education, and the parents and children of the Freeport Public School System. Kight Jr. said, “We achieved many things last year, but we have deep appreciation for the efforts, dedication and the very hard work you all put in to be successful educators.”

Prior to the end of the session, Kuncham encouraged everyone to close their eyes and remember their most cherished memories and think about the things they valued most. He encouraged them to use their strength and passion as tools in education. With that, everyone opened their eyes to a surprise flash mob, where students and staff members alike performed on stage, which was a fitting ending to yet another school year’s beginning.