New Teacher Orientation

“You are very fortunate to be teaching in Marcellus…..Communication is great….When it all comes down to it, it is all about the kids!” These heartfelt words from Lisa Tonzi/Marcellus Faculty Association President set a positive caring tone as the Marcellus Central School District held its annual New Teacher Orientation on Monday, August 30, 2010. The program was facilitated by Assistant Superintendent Trish McCarron and served to provide participants with critical information designed to enhance the opportunity for teacher success. Each new teacher/staff member received a new teacher notebook that included information on the teacher mentor program, the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) Plan, the Professional Development Plan, the Code of Conduct, Curriculum Task Forces, the Teacher to Teacher initiative, and the Interscholastic Athletic Plan. Marcellus’ Superintendent of Schools Dr. Craig Tice welcomed the new teacher class of 2010 and presented an overview of District goals and initiatives. Tice focused on “learning from each other” as he emphasized the following:
• The strengths of the District’s teacher observation and APPR model
• Project Share and “action research” opportunities
• The “teacher to teacher” initiative
Tice also urged the new educators to “get involved” and to create a school year “individual mission statement” that is connected to the District’s mission statement.

While the morning session of the orientation focused on District plans and programs, the highlight of the afternoon session was the opportunity for each new teacher to meet their respective teacher mentor. Mentors, mentees, and administrators shared a lunch while also sharing a variety of information about the daily life of a teacher in the Marcellus Central School District. The afternoon session also included presentations on curriculum mapping, curriculum task forces, IEP Direct, technology opportunities, the teacher observation process, APPRs, administrator “walk-throughs” and a variety of essential paperwork. District administrators and staff presenting at the orientation included Dr. Craig Tice/Superintendent of Schools, Trish McCarron/Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Lisa Tonzi/MFA President, Jessica Docteur/7-12 Curriculum Coordinator, Cindy Bird K-6 Curriculum Coordinator, Elena Dresher/Technology Director, Cheryl Hammond/Personnel Assistant, Gary Bissaillon/K.C. Heffernan Principal, Michael Dardaris/Driver Middle School (DMS) Principal, Janet O’Mara/DMS Assistant Principal, John Durkee/Marcellus High School Principal, and Deborah Glisson/MHS Assistant Principal. New teachers and teacher mentors participating in the New Teacher Orientation included:

Joseph Moran/ Driver Middle School Physical Education (Lorraine Reynolds, mentor)
Martha Savage/ K.C. Heffernan Nurse (Deb Bowman, mentor)
Anne Dorio/ 6th Grade Teacher (Anita Pawlewicz, mentor)
Anne Marie O’Neill/ High School Math Teacher (Jeanne Overend, mentor).