Monday was the first official day back to school for teachers, and today (Aug. 27) was KCSD’s annual all day, in-service professional development event. Teachers and administrators spent the day receiving training on new programs, technology, and other relevant topics, gaining techniques and insight to use as they head back to their classrooms.
The day kicked off with an optional early morning yoga session or walk at the Viking track. The Klamath County Transition Program’s Jo2Go Coffee Cart served up lattes and other specialty drinks, and district food service staff provided yummy breakfast and lunch options. During the all-staff general session in Valhalla Court, Henley’s Touch of Class choir sang the National Anthem followed by inspirational words from Professional Development Committee chairs Kathleen Todd and Travis Fast, KCSD Board Chair Steve Lowell, and Superintendent Glen Szymoniak.
Superintendent Szymoniak then honored Chiloquin Elementary School Principal Rita Hepper, who in April was named the 2024 Oregon Elementary School Principal of the Year.
After lunch, teachers boarded school buses to travel to the Ross Ragland Theater for a special keynote speaker, Mark C. Perna. Perna is a nationally acclaimed speaker and author who has devoted his career to understanding and motivating younger generations. Generation Z, he said, can be called the “Why Generation” — they need to know the purpose behind their hard work and studies. His talk, “Unleashing Passion, Purpose, and Performance in Younger Generations,” provided a roadmap for educators to guide and engage with today’s students. The engaging, thought-provoking presentation invoked laughter and agreement from the more than 500 teachers, administrators, and other guests.
First day for most students is Tuesday, Sept. 3. (Be sure to check your school’s website for schedules and details).
