Superintendent's Corner
August 2023
Dear Freeport Families,
I hope this letter finds you well and after a well-deserved summer break. As we gear up for the 2023-2024 school year, I am thrilled to welcome you back to another exciting chapter in our journey of educational excellence and transformation. Your dedication, passion, and tireless efforts are the driving force behind your child’s success, and I am truly honored to embark on this new year alongside each and every one of you.
We are delighted to welcome our new faculty and staff. We also have new administrators joining us this year along with some familiar faces who have changed positions within our schools. Dr. Helen Kanellopoulos is the new Assistant Superintendent for Educational and Administrative Services; Dr. Garvin Romane is the new Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Personnel Services and Special Education; Rebecca Wertling is the Assistant Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Special Education; Tameeka McNeil as the new Principal of the Caroline G. Atkinson School; Raquel Steffa and Suzanne Caceres as the new Assistant Principals of the Caroline G. Atkinson School. Each of these administrators bring experience, professionalism, and commitment to instruction and learning that will enhance the opportunities for our students. We are excited they are part of our Freeport Public Schools community.
In the spirit of our unwavering commitment to education, this year promises to be a remarkable one as we continue to transcend and educate the whole child. We are steadfastly dedicated to fostering an environment that nurtures not only academic growth but also the social and emotional well-being of our students. Through our collective efforts, we will empower them with the tools they need to thrive not just in the classroom, but in all aspects of life.
Our guiding principles for this year are firmly rooted in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. We understand that our students come from a rich tapestry of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and it is our duty to create an inclusive and equitable educational environment that honors and celebrates these differences. By expanding our work in this critical area, we are ensuring that each student feels valued, supported, and capable of achieving their dreams.
I am immensely excited to introduce the centerpiece of our strategic planning and transformation efforts: the Portrait of a Freeport Graduate. This visionary framework, encompassing the five traits of a Problem Solver, Curious and Flexible thinker, Perseverant individual, Effective Communicator and Collaborator, and possessor of Lifelong Literacies, will guide our educational pursuits from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. It is our North Star, guiding us as we shape the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and changemakers.
As we stand on the brink of this new academic year, let us remember that the success of our students is a collaborative endeavor. It is through the collective brilliance of our educators, support staff, administrators, families, and community partners that we can make a lasting impact. Together, we will inspire, uplift, and empower our students, enabling them to rise above challenges and grasp opportunities with unwavering determination.
The future holds endless opportunities and possibilities for our school community, and I am immensely proud of the exceptional strides we have made together. Freeport Public Schools stands as a beacon of educational innovation and excellence, and I am confident that the coming year will be nothing short of exceptional.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to your child’s education, I look forward to welcoming our students back for the 2023-2024 school year on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kishore Kuncham
Superintendent of Schools