Superintendent Matt Nelson introduces administrators and other staff members to incoming teachers at the Sanford Performing Arts Center.
Photo: Sanford School Department
By Sam Bonsey, School Communications Coordinator
The Sanford School Department started the new academic year on a high note, welcoming its newest educators with an extensive orientation day at Sanford High School on Tuesday. The program provided new staff with essential tools and connections needed for a strong start to the school year.
With more than 60 new staff members participating in the orientation, Superintendent Matt Nelson opened the morning with greetings and introductions of administrators and School Committee members in the Performing Arts Center. The technology orientation, led by newly hired Technology Director Leesa Joiner, equipped educators with essential digital skills for navigating the district’s technological resources, including email systems, the Sanford website, and acceptable use policies.
Business Manager Cheryl Fournier guided new staff through essential human resources topics, from workers’ compensation to tuition reimbursement, demonstrating the district’s investment in its educators’ well-being and professional growth. Staff learned about accessing online forms, sick leave policies, and the Employee Self Service system.
The day was packed with information sessions, including essential ALICE safety training and a comprehensive walkthrough of the New Teacher Handbook. The district is also setting up New Teacher Support Groups, ensuring ongoing assistance throughout the year.
Recognizing the importance of student well-being, Director of School Counseling Beth Letourneau led a session on suicide prevention, equipping educators with vital knowledge to support their students. The training was designed to be informative and practical, covering various essential topics.
Teachers learned to recognize warning signs, and they also gained strategies for creating a supportive classroom environment that promotes an inclusive and empathetic atmosphere where students feel safe and valued.
Following a pizza and salad luncheon hosted by the Sanford Federation of Teachers in the cafeteria, with SFT President Nick Ericson welcoming the newcomers, new staff had the opportunity to spend time in their respective school buildings with their assigned mentors and building administrators.
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