August 21, 2026
 

Dear GNPS Community, 

As summer begins to wind down, I hope this message finds you enjoying these final weeks with family and friends, creating memories that will carry you into another exciting school year. While many of our students have been perfecting the art of sleeping in, our schools have been anything but quiet. Across the Great Neck Public Schools, dedicated staff members have been hard at work preparing classrooms, enhancing our facilities, refining curriculum, and ensuring that every detail is in place for the return of students on Tuesday, September 1 and Wednesday, September 2 (for Pre-K and Fun For Fours). Please take careful note as it is unusual for schools to begin session prior to Labor Day weekend. As we often reference lifelong learning and the pursuit of excellence, every summer represents another opportunity to review curriculum and procedures, improve, and grow as a school community.

This summer has been especially productive. We are thrilled to welcome an exceptional group of new teachers, administrators, and support staff whose talent, enthusiasm, and commitment to children will further strengthen our already outstanding team. At the same time, numerous construction and capital improvement projects have transformed learning spaces throughout the district. Among the highlights is the progress being made to the beautiful new synthetic turf field at the North Middle School sports complex, providing our students with an outstanding venue for athletics, as well as the initial phases of the transformation of the South High School auditorium. These investments reflect our continued commitment to providing learning environments that inspire excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

As we prepare to welcome students back, I am reminded that what truly distinguishes Great Neck is not simply our exceptional programs or facilities—it is our people. It is the partnership among our students, families, faculty, staff, and community that makes this district so extraordinary. Every school year presents new opportunities to challenge ourselves, celebrate achievements, and discover new talents. Whether it is a pre-kindergartener walking into school for the very first time, a senior preparing for the next chapter, or a returning student eager to reconnect with friends and teachers, each journey contributes to our shared story. Together, we continue to #DiscoverGreatness in ways both large and small.

Please continue to stay connected via our website, ParentSquare, social media (Facebook and Instagram), and livestreamed Board of Education meetings held at E.M. Baker. My personal account (should you care to follow) can be found on Instagram at: dr.bossert_great_neck_super and our hashtag - #DiscoverGreatness. 

On behalf of our Board of Education and the entire Great Neck Public Schools family, I look forward to welcoming our students back on Tuesday, September 1, for what promises to be another remarkable year. Until then, enjoy these final days of summer, finish that last beach read, savor one more family barbecue, and perhaps begin the annual search for the missing backpack that somehow disappeared in June. Thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and support. Together, we will continue demonstrating that in Great Neck, the race for excellence truly has no finish line. Welcome back!


Warm Regards,

Kenneth R. Bossert, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools