To kickoff the 2026-2027 school year, the district held their annual convocation at the Pine Bush High School on the morning of Friday, August 28th. The event is a celebration of staff members who dedicated 20+ years of service to the district.
The event began with several guest speakers, including Board Vice President, Kristi Kheiralla, Pine Bush Elementary principal and President of the Administrators Association, Eric Winter, President of the Pine Bush Teachers Association, Chris Passudetti, and president of the Pine Bush School Related Professionals, Heather Kenney. However, the staff were presented with an additional special guest speaker.
The district welcomed Brian Mendler, who is a teacher and motivational speaker for educators around the world. He shared his stories about struggling as a student and overcoming addiction. His inspiring message and journey to success resonated with many in the audience.
Superintendent, Joseph Lenz, presented the staff with the district’s new vision statement, which is: Pine Bush Central School District is a community where every individual becomes a passionate, engaged learner who listens with empathy, thinks critically, works collaboratively, and takes ownership of their learning. We will lead and support others in making a positive impact in this world.
To sum it up, the tagline for the vision statement is: Own your learning, lead the world.
The convocation concluded with the presentation of the pins for staff members who served 20, 25, or 30+ years in the Pine Bush Central School District.
20 Years of Service Award: Janice Barth, Sean Blessing, Carolyn Carbone, Jessica Cirigliano, Andrew Cook, Robin Evans, Julie Facciolla, Andrea Gennaro, Corinne Griffin, Leilani Howard, Robert Jones, Heather Kenney, Danuta Kliti, Kevin Kreeger, Jason Lane, Robert Lawrence, Neil Lisberg, Patricia Perez, Susan Starr, Diane Trad, Jennifer Vittoria, Kelly Wohlgemuth, and Kathryn Yowell.
25 Years of Service Award: Guiomar Antunes, William Blair, Matthew Boffalo, Michelle Bouffard, Christine Carlino, Michael Caro, Daniel Conley, Kelly Cooke, Lisamarie Frey, Kimberly Godduhn, Jennifer Manzi, Tammy McCombs, Katrina Morin, Julie Palinkas, Shawn Powell, Winnie Samarel, Diana Santinello, Shanna Schultz, Kara Sprague, Darlene Stuber, Alex Tramper, Christina Tudisco, Andrea Urmston, Margaret Winsper, and Caryn Yonker.
30 Years of Service Award: Tara Baccello, Maria Camacho, Edward Conover, and Wendy Crandall.
35 Years of Service Award: Virginia Memoli, Kristin Slover, David Voelker, and Jennifer Wood.
40 Years of Service Award: Cynthia Gloster and Brian Shaw.
The Christopher Bement Award, which honors a staff member for their outstanding service to children, was awarded to Christina Tudisco.
Congratulations to all of our honored staff members!