Welcome Back Letter to Staff

“Those who devote their lives to a cause greater than themselves

always find a larger, fuller life than the one they remembered.” Wilbert E. Scheer

 

Dear Colleagues,

Eleven days until lift off. But who’s counting!

I hope this message finds you enjoying the last few days of summer with your loved ones. I have memories of my childhood when summer seemed to be so long. The older and wiser we get, the faster time flies by. In addition to the well deserved rest and relaxation summer affords us, I know many of you have committed yourselves to tending to personal projects that you have set aside for summer. So many of you have also devoted your time to professional learning, curriculum writing, and re-examining your instructional approach. It is so important to remember that outstanding teachers do not teach content. Technology and the internet provide content at our student’s fingertips 24/7. Superb and compelling teaching connects learning in ways that motivate children to learn and strive to maximize their unique potential.

As you return to school, we would be remiss if we did not recognize the tremendous efforts of our summer staff, most notably our custodial, maintenance, technology, and administrative assistant staff, who have been committed to making everyone proud of our spaces for teaching and learning. Many of you have already found your way back in preparation for a new year, and it has been nice to see the unbridled energy and anticipation. We continue to make Verona an extraordinary place for children to learn. I encourage you to continue to see the possibility in every child and always look for ways to support their growth. You play an incredibly important role in the lives of our children. I wish you an amazing school year and encourage you to continue to reach beyond your comfort zone as you inspire the same in your students.

We look forward to welcoming you back to school. We will convene as a district faculty at 7:15 AM on Tuesday, September 5th in the Verona High School Cafeteria, providing you time to reacquaint with one another after a relaxing and enjoyable summer. Convocation will begin at 8:10 AM in the Verona High School Auditorium. The schedule for the day is as follows:

7:15-8:00 Coffee/Continental Breakfast – VHS Cafeteria

8:10-9:30 Convocation – VHS Auditorium

9:30-9:50 VEA – VHS Auditorium

9:50 Staff Report to Respective Schools

10:15-11:20 Faculty Meetings at Each School

11:20-11:50 Lunch on Your Own

11:50-3:30 Teacher Classroom Preparation Time

Enjoy the remaining days of summer. We look forward to seeing you on September 5th.

 

All my best,

 

Dr. Rui Dionisio
Superintendent of Schools