By Anna Selk, Director of Curriculum & Instructional Services
As we prepare to enter another new school year, Benton Community has welcomed a new group of teachers to support our system in providing A Quality Education for a Lifetime of Learning. This year, Benton welcomed 22 new teachers. There are a variety of onboarding opportunities new staff engage in as they get started here. Teachers new to Benton spent time with Dr. Pam Ewell, Superintendent, and her office staff in learning about our district mission and vision and the logistics of getting started as a Bobcat. This time serves as a positive entry into the system with a wealth of information on the human resources components offered at Benton. Next, the teachers new to Benton were picked up on a school bus full of teacher leaders and administrators. We were able to have lunch together and then head out on a district-wide bus tour. The weather was beautiful for being outside and on a school bus. Teachers were able to visit about their summer, what’s going well in their lives, their children, and more. We were also able to discuss additional pieces that seem to be highlights throughout the year such as the Bobcat Homecoming and Veterans Day assembly. Based on the “buzz” on the bus, it was clear that the experience provided a great opportunity to enjoy meaningful conversation. This experience also provided all new teachers the opportunity to see where the students we serve live and know each of the communities that students come to us from. The goal of the bus tour was to create opportunities for meaningful connections amongst adults and support our adults in making those connections with the students they serve by knowing the communities they reside in. Other support offered to new teachers include one-on-one sessions with the district Instructional Coaches. These sessions provide new teachers with time and support in getting to know the curricular resources they’ll be using, grading practices, logistics in navigating the building, and more. New teachers have also had the opportunity to engage in summer learning sessions with other district teachers and received additional time to work in their classrooms and get acclimated to their new space. Many of these new teachers come with years of teaching experience. Those in their first or second years of teaching also receive coaching from an Induction Coach as part of the Grant Wood AEA Mentoring and Induction Consortium. We all work to make Benton Community A Place to Belong and hope that our new teachers feel this as much as our students will as they begin another new school year on August 23rd.
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Hello Bobcats!
It is my hope that the summer months have provided you with rest, relaxation, and additional time to enjoy the people, places, and activities that bring you joy. As I prepare for the quickly approaching school year, I have spent some time reflecting and thinking about you and our students. The past two school years have been interesting, challenging, exciting, and growth-producing for me personally and professionally. The challenges of the last couple of years have taken a toll on everyone, but forward movement with an emphasis on love and support for one another is how we’ll all thrive. With that, I am filled with promise and excitement for the future. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve all Bobcats with a renewed focus on academic achievement across the district. Learning is the primary function of our organization. The ability to support students, staff, and families at a deeper level around topics related to academic progress and continuous improvement is exciting! Our district goals/action plan is pictured below. The goal areas are aligned with the district's mission and vision. They were developed based on a variety of data points that include student achievement, staff feedback, and community feedback. More information will be shared and feedback will be sought as the year gets started. Learning opportunities will be crafted for all around these goal areas. Together, we can achieve these goals and provide our students with a Quality Education for a Lifetime of Learning. It is my great pleasure to continue to serve Bobcats as Director of Curriculum & Instruction and supporting you in achieving these goals and serving students is my primary function. If you would like to discuss what I’ve shared individually or before the school year gets underway, please feel free to reach out at the contact information listed below. I am fortunate to live, work, and grow in a district where my personal core values align with the core values of the organization I care so deeply about. The overwhelming sense of pride that students, staff, and community members have in living life the “Bobcat Way” is truly special, and I feel fortunate to be a part of it as a parent, patron, and employee. I plan to continue to lead with both my head and my heart, and my heart lies in Bobcat Country. Benton Community truly is A Place to Belong. I look forward to serving you all and to continued opportunities to build and foster that belief and feeling throughout our system. With gratitude, Anna Selk [email protected] 319-228-8701 ext. 1512 Benton Community Central Office 304 1st St. Van Horne, IA 52346 |
Blog Posts Written By:Larry Carlson Archives
August 2022
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