Dr. Murphy and Mr. Wieckhorst are in the business of making sure our students are equipped with the tools to be lifelong learners. Throughout the year they lead by example as they set out on a mission to be learners as well. With a renewed goal this year of getting to know every senior, room by room, this duo has entered many a high school classroom to glean insights into the Hauppauge experience directly from the students themselves.
Armed with a survey of questions and a QR code, our Superintendent and High School Principal have taken the responses to heart and sprung into action, using this feedback in different ways to shape the school experience for current and future students of our district. Last year’s responses to questions such as, “What has been your favorite memory as a Hauppauge student?”, “What is one thing you wish you had done differently in your time as a student in Hauppauge?” and “What is one thing our school or our district can do differently to make the experience better for all students in Hauppauge?” have already yielded tangible results. For instance, senior student feedback was instrumental in the installation of vending machines at the north entrance of the high school. It was even the catalyst for the creation of this year’s freshmen trip to Six Flags.
Additionally, the culmination of Dr. Murphy’s learning and the memories gathered from these classroom visits are always at the forefront of his mind as he crafts his graduation message to the senior class. This direct engagement provides him with a unique opportunity to speak to and with the graduating students during his commencement speech, fostering a far more personal connection than addressing a general crowd.
As the Class of 2025 prepares for graduation, we look forward to hearing the words Dr. Murphy has to share with them. Equally exciting is the lasting impact the words shared by the Class of 2025 with Dr. Murphy and Mr. Wieckhorst will have on the future generations of Hauppauge students. This initiative exemplifies a commitment to continuous improvement and a deep understanding of the student voice at the heart of our school district.
