This summer I've written several blogs on what is happening in our schools over the summer break (cleaning, painting, repairing, recreation activities and more!). But what about our staff? How do they prepare? Teachers and administrators all need some time during the summer to reflect on the previous year and to take some time to themselves- imagine being part of a 1700 member family all year! They also, however, take part in courses, workshops, conferences, and do some valuable reading.
This summer over 80 staff members took part in the following professional development offerings: writing competencies, integrating technology into the classroom, Smartboard training, writing rubrics, creating performance assessments and Responsive Classroom- and this is just what was offered by the Raymond School District! Other teachers took advanced science courses, worked on a master's degree, took part in conferences, took on-line courses, wrote grants, worked as coaches and camp counselors, were involved in volunteer work, interviewed new teacher applicants, held Jump Start for new Freshmen, worked with special needs students, and served on District-wide committees. All of these things, help our teachers prepare for our students' return and actually invigorate them: teachers, by the end of the summer, are just as eager as our students to get back to school!
Administrators, too, take part in training over the summer. This summer, our administrators learned about competency writing, had training from NH Emergency Management, worked on the District's Strategic Plan, learned about the 2016-2017 budget process, attended workshops at the Department of Education, heard information on insurance, workman's comp, and long-term substitutes, and planned for the District's workshop days. All this, while doing all the things that need to be done in the summer: registering new students; ordering supplies; creating schedules for students, teachers and paraprofessionals; answering questions from parents and students; providing records and transcripts; handling finances; interviewing new staff and checking references; attending meetings; taking courses, and so much more!
For the last three weeks, teachers have been in their classrooms setting up for the first day- hanging just the right poster to appeal to our students' interests, making colorful name tags, or writing lessons to engage our students in new ideas and and the desire to learn. Imagine getting a fresh start every year? This is a wonderful thing about a new school year- students come in happy to see their friends and teachers and are eager to learn. And just like every year, we are excited for the opportunity to make this school year the best one ever!
