The Elmont Union Free School District welcomed instructional staff back for the 2026-2027 school year on September 1 with a Superintendent’s Conference Day grounded in a powerful message: Every educator has the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child, and when we support one another, that collective impact becomes even greater.   

 Superintendent of Schools Mr. Marlon C. Small opened the morning with a warm welcome, joined by Board of Education President Ms. Tiffany Capers and Elmont Elementary Teachers’ Association President Ms. Deborah Buchanan. Together, their remarks reinforced the importance of beginning the school year as one Elmont community, united by a shared commitment to students and to one another.     

The centerpiece of the morning was Emmy Award-winning storyteller Shadrack Boakye, who presented “Making a Difference: The Power of One Teacher.” Drawing upon his remarkable journey from surviving civil war in Liberia to becoming an Emmy Award-winning storyteller, Boakye shared how the encouragement, protection and belief of one teacher can alter the course of a young person’s life.

His message extended beyond the influence of one individual to what he described as “the power of covering,” the responsibility we have to look out for one another, step in when needed and ensure that no student or colleague is left without support. In Elmont, making a difference is not left to chance. When one person needs support, another steps forward. When we cover one another, we strengthen our collective ability to be that one teacher, that one voice or that one moment that changes a child’s life.

The district also celebrated the people who make Elmont strong. Dr. Johane Ligondé, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Administration, welcomed new staff and recognized employees celebrating milestone years of service. Of special note was Debbie Jaegger, who began an extraordinary 40th school year in the Elmont Union Free School District, representing four decades of commitment to Elmont’s children and community.
Superintendent Small and building administrators also presented the district’s “Go the Extra Distance” Staff Recognition Awards, honoring employees whose dedication exemplifies what it means to go beyond expectations for students and colleagues. This year’s honorees were Ebony Hubbard, Alden Terrace; Rina DiRe, Clara H. Carlson; Alia Dass, Covert Avenue; Shoma Basdeo, Dutch Broadway; Lauren Asselta, Gotham Avenue; Jennifer Piropato, Stewart Manor; and Fernando De Bartolo, Elmont Road.

Dr. Linda Macias, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, highlighted advances in Food Services, Transportation and Facilities, while Ms. Pamela Stamidis, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, shared curriculum updates and new initiatives designed to strengthen teaching and learning throughout the district.

From welcoming Elmont’s newest educators to celebrating 40 years of service and recognizing employees who consistently go the extra distance, the morning reflected the strength of a district committed to showing up for its students, and for one another.

As staff prepared to welcome students back, the message for the year was clear: Together, we ensure that every child has the opportunity to encounter that one educator, that one moment and that one act of encouragement that can change a life.