The “red carpet” was rolled out at Berlin Central School District’s annual Superintendent/Staff Orientation days on September 3rd and 4th, bringing together teachers, staff, and administrators to kick off the 2024-2025 school year. The event began with a movie premiere themed welcome from the Administrative Team and a recognition of new staff members, staff who have moved into new roles, and those who arrived in the middle of last school year.
The BCSD staff then celebrated their colleagues’ milestones. Congratulations to the BCSD staff members listed below who reached milestones this year and thank you for your service to the BCSD and its Mountaineers.
Following the milestone recognitions, Interim Superintendent Dr. Maureen Long delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and dedication in achieving success. Dr. Long expressed gratitude for the hard work that was put in throughout the summer to prepare for the year of learning ahead. Long also spoke about an inspirational speech she heard over the summer at the New York State Rural Schools Conference in Lake Placid, given by Mike Eruzioni, captain of the 1980 US Hockey Team (Miracle on Ice).
“Mike Eruzioni countered the idea of being a miracle, but instead attributed the team’s success to being a hard working team and organization that pulled together despite the odds.”
“Embrace your roles with passion and creativity,” said Dr. Long. “Like in any great performance, your dedication and hard work will leave a lasting impact on your students for years to come.”
Dr. Long invited the staff to a luncheon catered by Giuliano’s courtesy of the BCSD Administrative Team, at the Stephentown Fire Hall. Thank you to the Stephentown Fire Department for opening the hall to BCSD and a special thank you to Dawn Demick, Tammy Whitman and Cyril Grant for their assistance.
The two opening days included workshops, training sessions, and informational meetings in preparation for the 2024/2025 school year.
The energy and excitement for the new school year were palpable on the first day of school that followed on September 4th.
BCSD is looking forward to the learning, engagement, growth and community building ahead this year!
Let’s Go Mountaineers!!
2024-2025 Milestone Awards
5 Years of Service
Rhianna Baker – Instrumental Music
Shannon DeCelle – Art
Samantha Gundrum – Teaching Assistant
Theresa Stott – Teaching Assistant
Leslie Teal – Bus Attendant
10 Years of Service
Jennifer Bushway – Teaching Assistant
Nate Ellis – Mathematics
Tracy Kent – District Support Specialist
Sara Roth – Special Education
Brendan Scannell – Science
Anne Schnoop – Bus Driver
15 Years of Service
Samantha Colbert – Art
Kristen Montgomery Breh – English
20 Years of Service
Fleda Berschwinger – Physical Education
25 Years of Service
Beulah Saunders – Custodial
35 Years of Service
William Saunders – Custodial
Barb Staples – Bus Driver
New Staff & New Role Announcements
Jodi Cataldo – Berlin Elementary Principal
Loretta Cozza – Consultant
Gretchen Dodge – BMHS Music Teacher
Erik Eckert – BES Library Media Specialist
Jamie Fleming – BES Bright Stars Classroom
Jen Goodermote – BMHS Monitor
Mary Lou Hunt – BMHS Social Studies Teacher
Tracy Kent – District Support Specialist
Aubrey Mahar – Reading Interventionist
Will Prather – BMHS Monitor
Dacia Proper – Physical Therapy
Meghan Reynolds – BMHS Asst. Principal/Athletic Director
Sara Roth – BMHS Starburst classroom
James Taylor Shaw – BMHS School Counselor
Joined During the 2023/2024 School Year
Chantel Bink – Special Education Teacher
Cheryl Blair – BES Building Substitute
Lisa Denue – Forquer – Teaching Assistant
Lora Dunlop – Food Service
Tara Fisher – District Treasurer
Missy Flemming – Custodial
Shannon Morgan – Bus Attendant
Jennifer Poli – School Social Worker
Christianna Stevens – Custodial