Ready, Set, Go!

Last Wednesday and Thursday were the first two days of the 2018-2019 school year. Teachers are students, too! All staff reported for work and put the finishing touches on the planning and preparations for the new school year. Instructional staff attended a Professional Learning Symposium at Saline High School. There, teachers learned from the best that Saline has to offer: our own teachers! Topics from how to create a paperless classroom, blended learning, global awareness, social/emotional wellness, and vocabulary enhancement to how to involve students’ voice in their learning were explored. Over 45 sessions, led by Saline Area School staff, gave teachers an opportunity to share, learn, discuss, and explore.

On the second day, staff members were challenged to consider classroom culture, bias, and diversity of thought. Dr. Jay Marks delivered a challenge for SAS to expand cultural proficiency as individuals, buildings, and as an organization.  In general, we engaged in the pursuit of excellence and modeled lifelong learning.

During this time of professional learning, one could see, feel, and hear the excitement. The teachers are ready, anxious even,  to have the students return for another year of learning and growing together. The rush of energy that the students bring is contagious and infectious.  The longer I am in this role and the more “opening of school” days that I see, the more I truly understand what makes a school work. However, I also see that while schools may be led by adults, schools are for the students. Adults can focus on new programs, new ideas, time-tested strategies, infusion of technology, and paperless classrooms. However, in the end, the greater the ability that we, as adults have, to connect and build positive relationships with our students and community, the more successful we become as an organization.

I am looking forward to a great school year! See you in the morning!