News Item
Monticello Schools' Opening Day Ceremony filled with hope for the future
September 2009
With their amps turned up, the four
students cranked out Bachman Turner Overdrive's “Takin' Care of Business,” making
it one opening day ceremony that Monticello Schools’ staff and
faculty won’t soon forget.
“With this being the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, what would be
more appropriate than to begin the year with some rock and roll,”
said Monticello’s Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Michel as
the crowd rose to their feet to give the boys, A.J. Nittoli, Matt
Young, Rick Jersey and Brian Jersey, a standing ovation for their
performance.
That
set the tone for the impact of the rest of the hard-hitting
presentation as Dr. Michel spoke about how education has become
the new measure of wealth in the 21st Century.
“The bottom line is if student achievement doesn’t happen in the
classroom, it doesn’t happen,” said Dr. Michel. “If we are to
compete globally, we must raise the standards we use to educate
our children.”
Although the ceremony was brief, the crowd exited with
excitement and energy ready for the challenges of the new school
year.
Photos:
#1: From left, Monticello High School students A.J. Nittoli and
Rick Jersey gave a rocking performance at the opening day event.
#2: Town of Thompson Supervisor Tony Cellini flanked by, from
left, Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary School teacher Jennifer
Jessup and district data administrator Elizabeth Kendall at
Monticello’s opening day breakfast.
#3: Monticello Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Patrick Michel with
Monticello High School Principal Arleene Siegel and English
Language Arts Director Theodore Kusulas.
CLICK HERE to view a photo array from the 2009 Opening Day Ceremony.