Lyndonville’s staff gather for first time since mid-March to prep for new school year
Provided photos: Jason Smith, Lyndonville Central School superintendent, greets teachers during a staff development day.
Press Release, Lyndonville Central School
LYNDONVILLE – It has been almost six months since the staff from Lyndonville Central School District have been all together on campus.
Donned with masks and sitting an acceptable distance apart, staff members listened to the new procedures and policies that are in place for the 2020-21 school year.
Superintendent Jason Smith welcomed new and returning staff during today’s staff development day. The district nurse discussed the importance of proper handwashing, mask wearing and overall hygiene reminders.
Signs have also been placed throughout the building to remind staff and students of these policies and to encourage social distancing whenever possible. While Covid-19 continues to be a concern and the district will maintain ongoing health and safety precautions, Smith encouraged staff to not change their focus.
“Our focus will continue to be our students and our mission, values and core beliefs,” he said.
Christine Merle spoke about the importance of social and emotional learning.
Smith presented staff with a small bag of coffee beans. He explained that when an egg is added to boiling water it will harden. A carrot will do the opposite and become soft.
The coffee beans, however, will make coffee. Each of these items faced the same adversity, the boiling water, but each reacted differently. He encouraged everyone to be like the coffee bean; when things are at their worst, get better and change the situation. This year may be difficult but with the right attitude, 2020-21 can be great.
During the meeting many new staff members were welcomed to the district, including Kevin Czaja, the district’s new Director of Facilities. Staff awards were given to eight employees for earning tenure, and Years of Service awards were given, including an award of 35 years to Sandra Kosiorek.
This year’s keynote speaker, Christine Merle, focused on building resilience through self-care and discussed the importance of social and emotional learning. After lunch, staff members attended breakout sessions to continue learning with Merle and had additional training on remote learning practices.
The district looks forward to welcoming students back next week. Students will have a staggered start but by the end of the week all grades will be on campus together five days a week.
Although the majority of students will be on-campus for learning, some families have selected to go fully remote.
“We look forward to working with all of our students again,” Smith said. “Whether on campus or learning remote, we will provide a high standard of education for each of our students.”
