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December,
2003
Dear Parents and Students,
As the year 2003 is quickly reaching its end, the school
district must begin to plan for the next school year.
The formulation of the 2004-2005 district budget has
started to take place. Building administrators, department
heads and staff have started to plan for the next year
and will be submitting their budgets for review before
the start of 2004. As I have stated many times before,
the education and needs of our students will remain
top priority as we construct the budget.
Last month a number of teachers accompanied Board of
Education President Mary Ellen Harkin, Board Members
Kathy Berezny and Nancy Gassert and me to a meeting
at Hofstra University. The meeting was held by the Alliance
for Quality Education. We attended to ensure that the
Riverhead Central School District is not forgotten as
the legislators work toward the development of a new
formula to fund public education. In addition, Board
of Education President Mary Ellen Harkin, RCFA President
Barbara Barosa, teacher Laura Grable, parent Laura Toole
and I attended a follow-up meeting in Albany to further
highlight the needs of the Riverhead Central School
District. Board of Education member Lori Montefusco
and I have also met with Senator Ken LaValle, as members
of his task force, to discuss the needs of our school
district. We will continue our efforts throughout the
year, and will make certain that our voices are heard
in Albany. You are invited to attend our monthly Board
of Education meetings and PTO meetings in order to obtain
the most up-to-date information. Your attendance and
participation as a parent and taxpayer of our school
district will help to ensure our success as a school
district.
Special congratulations go out to the Riverhead High
School Varsity Football team, Coach Leif Shay and the
entire coaching staff. This year the Blue Waves went
10-0 in Suffolk County, and brought home the Suffolk
County Division II Championship. The members of the
football team demonstrated to us all that hard work,
dedication and loyalty to one another do, in fact, pay
off. Thanks to all of the loyal fans who came out and
supported the team. It was great to see thousands of
Riverhead supporters at Stony Brook University, where
the Blue Waves defeated North Babylon for the title.
We all look forward to the 2004 season with great anticipation.
The winter athletic season has started, and I am certain
that Blue Wave supporters will attend the basketball,
wrestling, and track competitions. Best wishes to all
of our winter athletes for a successful season. Don’t
forget to look for the schedule of our winter music
concerts, school plays and other activities that I am
certain you will not want to miss.
On behalf of the Board of Education, the faculty, staff
and students of our school district, I would like to
wish you all the happiest and healthiest of holidays.
As always I remain grateful for the many benefits we
reap living in this wonderful country. Please keep the
members of our armed forces, particularly those Riverhead
alumni who are currently serving overseas, in your thoughts.
I wish them all a safe and speedy return home.
Sincerely,
George L. Duffy III
Superintendent of Schools
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