A motivational speaker, district administrators, school board members all delivered pep talks to faculty and staff.
Fran Kick, a former educator and an education-centered motivation speaker, spoke to the crowd first on Tuesday. Kick said his message was, “all about paying attention, responding appropriately and getting more involved in what’s going on.”
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“The whole idea is that if we can change our perceptive point of view about whether we, ‘have to, get to, or want to’ do something, then we are in a better position to work harder, get better at what we do, and have fun in the process,” Kick said.
Superintendent Bob Hill said he’s looking forward to ”another wonderful year”.
“The Springfield City School District is home to world class education and truly, truly world class educators. That’s because of you, whether cleaning a room, driving a bus, serving a meal, or teaching a student,” said Hill. “You always consider what is in the best interest of students and their families.”
School Board President Ed Leventhal offered advice to teachers about developing positive relationships and building trust with students.
“Believe in your students more than they believe in themselves, you may be the first person in their young life who does and that simple fact could make a huge difference in a student’s life in ways you may never know,” Leventhal said.
Leventhal said the board’s purpose is to give the district everything they need in order to be successful.
“You defend your students and empower them, and we will do the same for you,” Leventhal said. “It all begins tomorrow, go and be awesome.”
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New staff and staff taking on new jobs or going to new schools were also celebrated during the event, while co-workers cheered (some with pom-poms and confetti cannons) as their school was mentioned.
The Springfield High School marching band, drill team and cheerleaders wrapped up the event, which brought staff to their feet.
Other districts starting the 2019-2020 school year today include Clark Shawnee Local School District, Greenon Local Schools, Northeastern Local School District, Northwestern Local Schools, Tecumseh Local Schools and Mechanicsburg Exempted Village Schools.
Schools beginning this week:
Tuesday, August 20:
• Traid Local Schools
• Graham Local Schools
Wednesday, August 21:
• Springfield City School District
• Clark Shawnee Local School District
• Greenon Local Schools
• Northeastern Local School District
• Northwestern Local Schools
• Tecumseh Local Schools
• Mechanicsburg Exempted Village Schools
Thursday, August 22:
• Urbana City Schools
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