Leaders, teachers and staff from Erie’s Public Schools gathered at the Bayfront Convention Center Tuesday for the district’s second annual Back to School Convocation.
The event was designed to celebrate educators and support staff, thank them for their work and energize them for the start of a new school year.
This year’s convocation had a train theme, with Superintendent Dr. Natalyn Gibbs wearing conductor’s cap as she encouraged faculty and staff to get on board with the district’s goals and have a wonderful year putting students first.
“I think we are not used to all this excitement, so it’s really nice to have this kind of energy,” said Kathryn Marczak, an autistic support teacher at Jefferson Elementary School.
Angela Barnes, a kindergarten teacher at Eagle’s Nest said, “I feel like we’re coming together – we have a sense of belonging we know where we’re starting…we have a starting point in how we’re going to move on through the year.”
Stephen Shaut, Dean at Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, called the event truly energizing. “It’s a great way for us to gather as a team and talk about the initiatives as a school district and really focus on the changes and the work that we have to do for our students to make sure they have the best experience when they come back on day one,” Shaut said.
Students from Collegiate Academy also helped recognize employees celebrating milestones ranging from one year of service to more than 30 years with the district.
New brand unveiled
Erie’s Public Schools superintendent also unveiled a new brand and logo during the convocation, along with the tagline “Learning Without Limits.”
The district is also implement a new strategic plan, which was developed with input from members of the school community.
For teachers like Kathryn Marczyk who was on the planning team, that means focusing on some key priorities as students return. “The strong start for our students that are coming into kindergarten,” she said. “Just making sure that those kids coming into school age have the foundation and skills the need to be at school.”
Marcel Majors, entering his second year as a 3rd grade teacher at the Eagle’s Nest said a key focus for him will be on reading for all students, including English as a Second Language students. “So we’re going to do a lot more reading we’re going to focus on that. I’m going to implement a lot of at home reading so we can try to get the parents involved this year, so they can assist me as much as possible, so we can get these kids where they should be,” Majors said.
District officials say the convocation is an investment in the people who make up Erie’s Public Schools. Board President Dr. Jay Breneman said spending money on the event is worthwhile because it supports the district’s faculty and staff.
And as the new school year gets underway, teachers have a simple message for families:
“Just know that we’re all on the same team.”