On March 13, 2026, district faculty & staff came together for a Superintendent Conference Day, that was dedicated to professional learning, collaboration, and continued growth in support of student success.

The morning sessions centered on curriculum development and alignment. Elementary teams dedicated their time to advancing their work with Math Expressions, focusing on vertical alignment to ensure consistency and coherence across grade levels. Meanwhile, staff in grades 5–12, along with district teams, focused on aligning instruction to the district’s Portrait of a Graduate. 

The Portrait of a Graduate, from NY Inspires and the New York State Education Department, represents a shift in focus from simply asking, “How many credits did a student earn?” to a more meaningful question: “What kind of learner and person did they become?” This work emphasizes essential skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, collaboration, and adaptability. 

A highlight of the day was an interactive and engaging “Clue”-style activity connected to the Portrait of a Graduate work. Staff collaborated in teams, using evidence cards to solve the mystery of a “successful graduate” by identifying the who, where, and how of meaningful learning experiences. 

The day concluded with a wellness-focused afternoon organized by Cathie Abdunnasir. Staff had the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities designed to recharge and reconnect, including movement sessions, games, and time to build connections with colleagues.