November 2021
Dear Mattituck- Cutchogue School Community,
During this season, when we take the extra time to give thanks, it is easy to
find reasons to be thankful here in Mattituck-Cutchogue. From
the beginning, I am happy to say our students, faculty and staff
started the year with a positive attitude and a strong desire to get
back to work and make the most of every opportunity. With a focus on
the District’s Mission Statement, we were ready to follow state
protocols and understood their importance in keeping everyone safe and
our schools open while also being ever grateful for having in-person
classes full-time with activities and sports as close to normal as we
can get. We
continue to be determined to limit the negative impact COVID has on our
school community and in doing so have formed a great relationship with
the Suffolk County Department of Health allowing for on-site COVID
testing each week for those unvaccinated individuals who currently work
in over 15 local school districts. This process has been seamless thanks
to all involved and the feedback from all taking advantage of this has
been positive.
Our students at MHS continue to excel in the arts, academics and athletics
as seen in our Varsity Girls Volleyball journey to the state tournament,
our Junior High play and NYSSMA alternate and a National Merit
Scholarship Semifinalist. The excitement of post-graduation planning
is in full-force for our seniors as they look to harness all that they
have learned in planning for their future. The
joy you feel when you visit Cutchogue East continues to amaze me. The
students’ curiosity and creativity makes it a pleasure every time I
visit the building. Whether launching apples from a catapult as part of
the STEAM program or sharing their knowledge of Veteran’s Day, the
teachers, staff, and children at CE continue to strive to make each day
better than the last.
Looking forward, we are beginning to focus on our 5-year plan in order to
identify the needs of the district and prioritize projects that improve
our infrastructure and increase opportunities for programs and our
students.
I close the year with a note of appreciation. Appreciation to our
community for their continued support and respect, appreciation to our
faculty and staff for their desire to always do what is best for our
students and appreciation to our students who never cease to amaze me
and put a smile on my face.
We have much to be thankful for here in Mattituck-Cutchogue.
On behalf of our Board of Education and district leaders, I want to send
each of you a sincere word of thanks and my warmest wishes for a happy
and safe holiday celebration with your friends and loved ones.
Shawn C. Petretti
Superintendent of Schools