Dr. John Kellogg, Superintendent of Schools, was one of many speakers who addressed new teachers during orientation.
Sixty teachers who are new to the Westerville City School District gathered in the Media Center at Westerville Central High School on August 6 and 7 for orientation sessions hosted by the Office of Human Resources. The program was designed to help them become familiar with district operations and professional expectations.
Greeting the group were Dr. John Kellogg, Superintendent of Schools; Rev. Rick Vilardo, Vice-President of the Westerville City Schools Board of Education; and Dr. Paul Hopkins, Executive Director of Human Resources. Each imparted words of welcome and encouragement. Board members Dr. Nancy Nestor-Baker and Rev. Vaughn Bell also stopped by to offer their support.
On the first morning, attendees participated in ice breaking and teamwork activities, and heard from a number of speakers who addressed topics including the Westerville Education Foundation, computer login information, diversity, curriculum and instruction, Power School/grades, instructional technology, and internet/social media.
During lunch, which was provided by the Westerville Education Association (WEA), retired high school Principal M. Joy Rose shared a historical perspective about the school district.
The afternoon session covered absence procedures, loan forgiveness, the Resource Guide, public school safety and wellness, insurance benefits and finances.
Subjects discussed during the second morning of orientation included special education, English language learners, gifted education, My Learning Plan, and resident educator and mentor programs. WEA President Rhonda Gilpin and Membership Chair Amy Hinz reviewed the Master Contract. New teachers returned to their perspective buildings that afternoon to prepare for next week’s influx of more than 15,500 students.