When two people in a rowboat or canoe row in different directions, the boat will either turn or move erratically, with no forward movement. Worse yet, if people in the boat want to go in different directions and try to do so, they will go nowhere fast.
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Having a clear and common objective among school district staff is clearly a proven winning strategy for optimum student success. Hence, the theme of the September 2nd Superintendent’s Conference Day and the 2025-26 school year is “Rowing Together.”
Superintendent Susan Hasenauer began her opening message explaining how district and school building administrators put the rowing together concept into actual practice in kayaks as part of their administrative retreat in Fairport August 5th _ and not just with their closest colleagues as their teammates.
Showing pictures from the teamwork building endeavor, Hasenauer stressed the value of being in “unison or rowing together’’ as the new school year begins. Powerful, inspiring video of rowing teams nicely backed up her assertion of how essential it is to have one goal, one vision and one mission. Then she posed these two questions to her audience.
• How does the theme of “Rowing Together” impact our work as individuals and as part of a collective team?
• Furthermore, what lessons can it teach us about team building and the power of a shared vision and mission? As we enter year 4 of our 5-year plan, we have a responsibility to help our students thrive in an environment of high expectation, collaboration and respect.
“How will we do this? Instead of one boat, one district, one team and one dream . . .
Interspersed in her talk was great news about recent realized objectives and positive developments.
Student Achievement _ “First and foremost, we have gone down from 19 to 7 indicators on our school report card under the ESSA accountability system, with only two schools remaining in need of support. This would not be possible without each of you who have embraced our Strategic Plan and have focused on meeting the needs of our most vulnerable learners.”
Staff Development _ “A very special thank you to our instructional coaches, department leaders, Will Bean, our new Professional Development Coordinator and all of the teachers and administration who participated in Reds Academy and New Teacher Orientation this summer. Because of you, our momentum continues throughout the summer though a robust coaching and professional development platform.
Forward Strides _ “Secondly, feedback from all staff indicated that there were three things that they hoped would change.
“Number three . . . Student Behavior. “We are pleased to announce that physical altercations and skips have been collectively down over the past two years and so are referrals. This is not to say there isn’t still work to be done, however, I would like to complement our security staff for working diligently alongside us to enhance the safety and security of our school atmosphere.
“Number two, Time . . . which is a scarcity and something we all want more of, however, we were able to find it. This school year we will implement our second year of early release on Wednesdays so that staff have time to analyze data, plan and collaborate to build high quality lessons that are differentiated to meet the needs of individual learners.
“Number one, Money. “Late spring and throughout summer, we ratified ALL collective bargaining agreements. NTA, NAA, CSEA, NPA, DO and individualized contracts were all settled!
“We are proud of our last few years, and we are confident, things are only going to continue to get better. With that said, we know each new year brings fresh challenges; it also brings new opportunities, and most importantly, countless chances to lead with purpose. And it doesn’t matter who you are or what title you hold, leadership is about the way we show up _ for our students, for our community and for one another. Hence this year’s theme of “Rowing Together.”
In another important development, Hasenauer outlined the district’ streamlined Strategic Plan with its 5 key initiatives
“This year is about continued refinement and a distinct focus on closing the remainder of the achievement gap for our under-performing students and subgroups. Furthermore, it’s about always improving and striving to be the best we can be.
“Prepared, synchronized, unified, engaged, a common goal, focused and dedicated _ but most importantly individual commitment one boat, one team and one dream . . .we can’t grow and achieve without you!
“We also cannot grow, if we don’t pause and laugh,” Hasenauer continued. “Laughter is important because it offers significant mental, physical, and social benefits from reducing stress and boosting mood to strengthening relationships. And, since nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh _ and what a better way to kick start the year than with humor…
“So without further ado, we know that many teachers are frustrated comedians. Upon graduating from Cornell, our speaker became a professional comedian but found out he was a frustrated teacher and began his career at Brockport High School. Twenty-eight years, 7 children and 1 massive heart attack later, he’s here to kick off our new school year with some laughs. Please welcome Dan Viola!”
The Brockport High School science teacher, who is beginning his 29th year in teaching, promised at the outset of his monologue Sept. 2nd to bring smiles to the faces of NCSD staff and hopefully make them laugh even though it was early in the morning and two days before the reopening of school.
He did.
Drawing from his years of experience in education, Viola’s quick-witted humor resonated with staff, bringing spurts of laughter and applause as they could easily relate.
After Viola’s comedy routine, new staff at the District Office, all five school buildings and the bus garage were introduced. Hasenauer then recognized staff who have worked for the NCSD for 20, 25, and 30 years.
Hasenauer concluded the opening assembly with the presentation of the 2025 Friend of Education Award to Newark Chief of Police Dr. Rich Martin and his entire Department.
“Every year we give an award away to a business in the community that supports our district and works in collaboration with us to better our school community,” Hasenauer said. “This year, we would like to honor Dr. Richard Martin, Chief of Police and the entire Newark PD for partnering with us regularly and always supporting our School Resource Officer, Director of Security and our safety and security teams. Every time we call you with a need, your
department shows up even if it is last minute. This weekend I spoke with one of your officers early in the morning regarding a door on our campus that was noticed because checking our campus was on your detail. We couldn’t be more grateful that you have an eye on our buildings when we are not here. Thank you so much!”