WATCH: Third-Grader from Woodward Parkway Wins "Superintendent-for-a-Day" Raffle and Learns About Leadership
Carter Delguercio, a Woodward Parkway Elementary School student, won the coveted "Superintendent-for-a-Day" raffle last December at the Dalers Deck the Halls breakfast. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allowed Carter to shadow Superintendent Paul Defendini and gain insight into the position's responsibilities.
On January 12, Superintendent Defendini surprised Carter in his third-grade classroom at Woodward Parkway Elementary School, presenting him with an official Superintendent ID badge and congratulating him on his win. Carter was instructed to report to the Superintendent’s office on January 26, 2024, and to dress professionally. Mr. Defendini shared a schedule of their day, which included a variety of experiences designed to give Carter a glimpse into the life of a Superintendent.
Accompanied by his mother, Jessica, Carter spent the day observing Superintendent Defendini's work. The day began in Mr. Defendini's office in the Central Administrative wing at Howitt Middle School. Carter signed a few documents before heading to a boardroom meeting attended by several building principals and district administrators. Carter had a reserved spot at the head of the table.
Next, they visited Northside Elementary, where Carter visited classrooms and answered students' questions. Afterward, he addressed the student body in the auditorium and introduced a meteorologist who was there to conduct a weather assembly. Before heading to Farmingdale High School, Carter, his mother, and Mr. Defendini grabbed smoothies—being in charge drove up an appetite. At the high school, Carter met with Principal Jed Herman, who invited him to a faculty meeting to provide feedback on his favorite games in gym class. Carter was then given a tour of the building, including the woodworking space, TV studio, culinary classrooms, and workout room, which he found particularly impressive. Carter then stopped by the cafeteria to meet the kitchen staff and grab a bite.
The afternoon started with a visit to Woodward Parkway Elementary School. Carter was thrilled to see his former Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Monahan, and even more excited to read a book titled How Do Dinosaurs Show Good Manners? to her class. The students were captivated by the story, gathering around Carter to listen attentively.
The day he concluded at Howitt Middle School, where Carter was given a tour of the state-of-the-art Aquatic Center before recording an audio message to go out to the Daler community. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Carter, and he was grateful for the opportunity to learn about leadership and the responsibilities of a Superintendent.
“I was thoroughly impressed with Carter’s professionalism and enthusiasm,” said Superintendent Paul Defendini. “He listened carefully to staff input, smiled, shook hands, and paid attention to every detail. It was an honor to have him by my side all day.”