New school district staff hired ahead of the 2018-19 school year attended a week-long orientation at Reed Intermediate School August 13 to 17. The week included presentations, activities, and a bus tour of the town.

Newtown Middle School teacher Barry Palmer organized the orientation’s activities.

According to Mr Palmer, professional development presentations during the week included NMS educators Shari Oliver and Andrew Tammero sharing a discussion about restorative practices, Newtown High School English teacher Kathy Swift speaking about concept-based curriculum, The Avielle Foundation offering a brain health discussion, and NHS English Department Chair Abi Marks sharing a presentation on “Parent Engagement and Establishing Partnerships.”

Mr Palmer said there were 13 new staff members who attended the orientation week.

Ms Marks opened her August 14 presentation by saying the goal is to have a productive school year for students, and that includes having a collaborative effort between teachers and parents. She later asked the educators to share some of their experiences with parent involvement and engagement.

The group also took a bus tour on August 14. NHS science teacher Trent Harrison acted as the guide for the tour.