The 2025-26 school year is officially underway at Heatly School, as Green Island UFSD faculty and staff welcomed students back on Thursday, Sept. 4. The excitement of a new year could be felt throughout the building, as teachers and students reunited after summer break and began charting a course for success.
The year actually began as we held Orientation for new faculty in Staff in late August. Our two opening conference days started with a district-wide opening session led by Superintendent Dr. Dan Kalbfliesh, featuring introductions of new faculty and staff, our school improvement plan, and recognition of the district becoming a visible learning associate school. Dr. Kalbfliesh emphasized the district’s commitment to the “Heatly Way”—trust, professionalism, communication, and feedback—as the guiding principles for the year ahead. This was followed by welcome-back and teambuilding exercises with Principal Stephanie Bouchey. The second conference day, teachers dived into training about grading practices and how it relates to the way we design instruction.
This ultimately led to a warm and exciting open house on September 18th where families were introduced to the student interest clubs that are happening at the district.
Welcoming New Faces
This fall, Green Island UFSD is proud to welcome several new staff members who bring fresh energy and expertise to our district:
- Hailey Shoemaker-Kindergarten Teacher
- Riley McGinn-2nd Grade Teacher
- Sharifa Din-ENL Teacher
- Ally Risch-Special Education Teacher
- Martin Glazer-Special Education Teacher
- Amy Hajewicz-Hefley-School Psychologist
- Rebecca Bushey-School Nurse
- Kari DeCrescenzo-TA
- Jennifer Greaves-TA
- Victoria Bell-TA
- Samantha Powers-TA
- Kristie Stopera-TA
- Kayla Edwards-TA
- Miranda Hughes-TA
These talented professionals are eager to partner with families and colleagues to build a nurturing, challenging, and engaging learning environment.
Program Highlights
A key area of focus this year is the continued growth of our Riverside Special Education Program, which provides specialized instruction for students in collaboration with other districts to provide programming and services within a public education setting. Riverside reflects our district’s commitment to personalized education and to ensuring that every student has access to the tools they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
In addition, Green Island UFSD continues to strengthen instructional support and professional learning for teachers, fostering collaboration across grade levels and subject areas. Our first Farewell Friday will be 9/26 and be on the lookout for our new format.
Fall Events to Look Forward To
The start of school also brings a series of events that bring students, staff, and families together:
- 10/3 Fall Picture Day
- 10/5 Breast Cancer Walk
- 10/6-10/10 Fire Prevention Week
- 10/10 Emergency Release Drill
- 10/13 No School
- Board of Education Recognition Week (Oct. 14–18)
- 10/24 Farewell Friday 2:15
- 10/31 Half Day (11:10am) Halloween Costume Parade
- 11/3 Stephen Hill Motivational Speak 6:30pm
- 11/4 No School Conference Day
- 11/7 Picture Retake day
- 11/11 No School
- 11/19 Capital Project Public Forum 5:30pm
- 11/21 1st Quarter Awards 2:15pm
Looking Ahead
“Every fall brings new opportunities to learn and grow together,” said Dr. Kalbfliesh. “This year, we are especially focused on creating an environment where every student feels a strong sense of belonging and has access to the resources they need to succeed.”
With welcoming classrooms, new program opportunities, and a calendar full of meaningful events, Green Island UFSD is poised for a strong and exciting school year.