All of the Peekskill City School District staff reported back to work on September 1st. They assembled in the High School Auditorium where they were greeted with a wonderful performance by students who participated in the Summer Music Camp. School Board President, Michael Simpkins, welcomed staff with words of inspiration. He spoke of the challenges faced such as budget cuts and the need to improve student performance, and he also spoke about the talent of the staff and the strength of working as a team. Mr. Simpkins also voiced words of admiration for Superintendent Johnson who will be retiring in January.
For her own presentation, Superintendent Johnson, who is our first female and first African American Superintendent, spoke of her 43 years in education. She spoke of her love for America and related how the future of America is dependent on the future of its children. As she listed names of teachers who had inspired her, Mrs. Johnson called upon all present to live up to the responsibility of inspiring future generations. She stressed the importance of providing a “superior education” for all groups and proclaimed again her support for the fine arts and educating the underserved.
As Superintendent Johnson left the auditorium stage, on the screen were words of inspiration for Peekskill’s educators and staff:
Moral Courage- ” Willingness to stick our necks out by collectively standing up for what we believe in.”