Waldorf, MD — Charles County Public Schools principals, vice-principals, and administrative assistants kicked off the new school year with a three-day event at North Point High School last week.
The theme of the professional development institute was The Power of Your Words.
Several guest speakers delivered talks on relationship building with students, ensuring equity in teaching and learning, and lessons in school safety, including Manny Scott, featured in the 2007 movie Freedom Writers.
Scott shared how a teacher helped him go from being a high school dropout to earning bachelor’s and master’s degree. He is now working on his doctorate.
The event also featured team-building activities, such as Jenga with shoes, professional development sessions on topics such as crisis intervention, gradebook updates and formative assessment, and updates in Maryland and special education laws.
Michele Gay, the co-founder and executive director of Safe and Sound Schools also spoke and CCPS Director of School Safety and Security. Stoddard rolled out updated safety and security procedures and reviewed drills for students and staff.