The Port Jefferson School District recently welcomed nine new members to its educational community with a detailed orientation program to ensure a smooth transition into their new professional positions. The two-day induction was designed to familiarize new staff with the Port Jefferson School District’s mission and goals of providing students with a personalized, rigorous education and encouraging responsible, independent and adaptable lifelong learners.

New to our schools this year (from left): Meghan Hallock (elementary art); Kimberly Vareles (middle school teaching assistant); Nicole Sklar (high school special education); Melissa Harms (elementary school teaching assistant); AnnMarie Anderson (elementary school teaching assistant); Katherine Butera (middle school/high school music teacher); Tara Grover (elementary school teaching assistant); Christine Benanti (psychologist) and Gina Scafidi (middle school/high school foreign language teacher) during a summer orientation program. Also pictured is Mr. Steven Orlowski, special education teacher at Edna Louise Elementary School, who helped organize the day.

“We are so excited to welcome nine new members to the royal family!” said Jessica Schmettan, the district’s executive director of curriculum and instruction. “They are a wonderful group of talented professionals, and we wish them the best this year.”