New Staff Members Welcomed to Hendrick Hudson with Orientation

With the start of the 2024-25 school year just days away, new staff members gathered this week at Hendrick Hudson High School for New Faculty Orientation. The program was led by Dr. Steven Garcia, the district’s new Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Leadership Development, who coined his presentation, “Beginning Your Story at Hendrick Hudson.”

In addition to Garcia, Superintendent of Schools Michael A. Tromblee, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Margaret Ruller and Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services Lisa Schuchman were among those who delivered welcoming addresses.

Tromblee, who recognized both the excitement and anxiety associated with starting a new position, pointed to the district’s mission statement and drew a parallel to the staff’s pivotal role in upholding it.

“We want this to be a dynamic, innovative and supportive educational community,” Tromblee said. “And that starts with all of you.”

The new staff members began the two-day orientation with a technology overview from Vineetha Joy, Executive Director of Technology & Innovation, and then received their new equipment. Schuchman delivered a two-part address on pupil personnel services, and then the new employees had a meeting with union leadership.

On the second day, Board of Education President Erica Mills and Vice President Amelia Silverman opened the program by underscoring the vital role staff members play in helping Hendrick Hudson students thrive. Dr. Ruller seconded that theme, adding that students should always remain the primary focus when considering curriculum and planning for instruction.

Teacher Christina Feal, the Mentor Coordinator, also outlined the district’s mentor program and advised the newcomers how to get the most out of their mentoring relationship.

During his talk, Tromblee spoke at length, both providing the new employees with information on his background as a service member, father, husband, teacher and administrator, and how each role helped shape him as an educator. He also led the group in multiple exercises, closing with one that asked the new employees to write a letter to themselves with words of encouragement.

The letters were sealed in envelopes and will be available to read next spring.

“Always remember, he said, “you never know the impact that you may have on a student.”