Dr. Ford praises strong first day of school, highlights new principals and programs

Dr. Ford told the Seaford Union Free School District board that the district’s first day of classes produced “excitement” across buildings and left students and staff optimistic about the year ahead. Dr. Ford highlighted Joanne Curtis as the new principal at the Manor and Tara Savage as the new assistant principal at the Harbor, and said staff reported students quickly formed new friendships and engaged in icebreaker activities.

The administrator described a special opening-day schedule at Seaport High School developed by a school committee. Students rotated through sessions that included social-media safety presented by Walker’s, technology help from lead technician Dan Sev and opportunities to connect with counselors. Dr. Ford said the plan gave students a taste of their classes and helped prepare them for academic routines.

Dr. Ford also noted upgrades completed over the summer — including refreshed libraries, new blacktop and grounds work at several buildings — and thanked staff and communications producers Justin Azer, Dan Saba and others for producing a video highlighting that work. “By the end of the day, the students left school with smiles on their faces,” Dr. Ford said.

Looking ahead, Dr. Ford reminded the board of several events on the calendar: a candlelight memorial for Sept. 11 the next night; Seaport High’s back-to-school night on the 12th; Manor and Harbor back-to-school nights on the 19th; homecoming on the 21st; and the first home football game on Friday at 6:00 p.m. The presentation closed with recognition of the summer teams who prepared facilities and programming for the start of school.