Garden City Public Schools welcomed its newest educators during the district’s three-day new teacher orientation, held Aug. 18,20. The program gave new staff members an opportunity to learn more about the district, connect with colleagues and school leaders, and prepare for the start of the 2026, 2027 school year.

The orientation featured an introduction to Garden City’s mission, vision, goals and expectations, along with sessions covering important district policies, procedures and resources. New educators also participated in workshops and tours designed to familiarize them with the schools and the Garden City community.

Ms. Nanine McLaughlin, assistant superintendent for human resources and leadership development, welcomed the group and introduced district leaders before Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha shared remarks with the new staff. The schedule also included school and bus tours, as well as time for educators to meet with building principals and coordinators at their respective schools.

The district is excited to welcome:

• Saira Chowdhry, science teacher, high school
• Daniel Thomas, science teacher, high school
• Nicolette Cuomo, science teacher, high school
• MaryRose Stone, science leave replacement teacher, high school
• James Van Casteren, math teacher, high school
• Alexandra Kelly, math teacher, high school
• Michael Lind, social studies teacher, high school
• Mikaela Scibelli, social studies teacher, high school
• Michael Mistretta, Spanish language teacher, high school
• Joseph Perez, Spanish language teacher, high school
• Natalie Fulgieri, special education teacher, high school
• Kimberly Miller, English, high school
• Patrick Duggan, social studies teacher, middle school
• Luisa Marino, Spanish teacher, middle school
• Courtney Hunter, school psychologist, middle school
• Jacqueline Hovanec, special education teacher, middle school
• Mollie Newman, special education teacher, middle school
• Caroline Keane, special education teacher, middle school
• Caroline Feryo, music teacher, middle school
• Marianne Plymate, school psychologist/middle school special education liaison, middle school
• Lydia Landro, reading teacher, middle school
• Madison Annousas, technology leave replacement teacher, middle school
• Blakely Trapani, family consumer science leave replacement teacher, middle school
• Katherine Zagar, special education leave replacement, Stratford School
• Julianne Link, art leave replacement, Stratford School
• Colleen Sproul, teaching assistant, Stratford School
• Jack Cisar, teaching assistant, Stratford School
• Samantha Lopez, teaching assistant, Stewart School
• Amanda Lee, physical education teacher, Primary Schools
• Dominique Camacho, leave replacement teacher, Homestead School
• Lauren Hutton, elementary education leave replacement teacher, Homestead School
• Gabriella Schettino, elementary education teacher, Locust School
• Kayla Nicolino, Elementary Education Teacher, Locust School
• Keri-Lynn Maher, special education teacher, Locust School
• Jessica Strong, teaching assistant, Locust School
• Kara Willis, teaching assistant, Locust School
• Joshua Falk, occupational therapist, districtwide
• Rachel Haft, occupational therapist, districtwide
• Natalina Sagliocca, physical therapist, districtwide