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Administrators detail four‑day 'launch week' professional learning; district emphasizes PBIS, SEL and teacher supports
Summary
Whitnall administrators reviewed a four‑day launch week of staff professional learning, describing team rotations, external visits for high‑school staff, new onboarding check‑ins for new employees, PBIS and SEL work, and some building‑level implementation steps.
The administrative team reviewed the district’s four‑day launch week for staff and summarized key professional‑learning and operational priorities for the year. The superintendent framed the week with the theme “this is the year,” emphasizing the work to make the five‑year strategic plan operational at both district and building levels.
Administrators described a mix of district‑wide sessions, external site visits for high‑school staff (Carpenter Training Center, WCTC and AGI) and targeted coaching. A presenter responsible for district academics described coordinated ELA and math coaching, rollout of DreamBox for middle‑school math and assessment fidelity work tied to Act 20 updates. One administrator noted that building leadership teams translated district goals into building‑level action plans and timelines.
Human Resources provided details on staff supports and onboarding: Michelle, the HR director, explained the new 5‑day, 30‑day, 60‑day and 90‑day check‑ins for new hires and reviewed benefit enrollment supports and optional voluntary benefits such as EAP and pet insurance. “That’s my goal,” Michelle said, describing the check‑ins as a way to make new staff feel supported and to surface issues early.
The high‑school lead and other building presenters highlighted PBIS implementation, community circles for classroom community building, and targeted supports for paraprofessionals and case managers working with special‑education students. Presenters said staff appreciated sessions on safety protocols, new evaluation platforms and practical, rotational learning that let staff learn from one another.
Why it matters: Launch week sets expectations for instruction, safety and staff supervision, and introduces staff to new systems that will affect daily operations — from student supports to learning platforms and assessment approaches.
Next steps: Administrators will continue refining building action plans, monitor fidelity to professional learning outcomes, and report back to the board in regular committee updates.
