Sarah Kent, the district’s new director of teaching and learning, told the School Committee that 19 new educators attended a three-day orientation aimed at connecting new staff with key people, tools and district priorities.

"It takes a village to onboard new educators," Kent said, and she described goals including relationship-building, access to resources and establishing the foundation for ongoing professional development. A seven-student high-school panel — run in a fishbowl/restorative circle format — was included so new teachers could hear student perspectives on learning and equity. Kent said 7 high-school students participated and that feedback from new teachers was positive.

Superintendent Kalishman also briefed the committee on instruction and staffing changes. He announced the district will pilot department chairs at the middle school and high school for one year and restore a new teacher-evaluation system. "This is a pilot year we're trying this," Kalishman said, and he added the district combined world language between the middle and high school "because it's a small department."

Why it matters: district leaders said the orientation and pilot staffing changes aim to strengthen instruction and build continuity across grades. The student panel was described as intentional — Kent said it provided candid feedback and improved new teachers' confidence entering classrooms.

Clarifying details Kent provided included the makeup of the orientation: 19 new educators, 8 administrators presenting, 7 teacher volunteers who presented on their time, and a seven-student panel. Kent said exit-ticket feedback showed strong positive reactions, with new teachers reporting they felt supported and excited to join Swampscott Public Schools.

Next steps: Kent and Superintendent Kalishman said the district will monitor the department-chair pilot and the restored evaluation system throughout the school year and report back to the School Committee.