Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

New teachers were paired off with mentors, given meals and a number of resources to help them succeed late last week in Cumberland schools. The school district held its annual New Teacher Institute (NTI) on July 29 and July 30, before opening the doors to new students and their families one day later. 

Starting off on July 29, new teachers were greeted with an opening breakfast, followed by a welcome from the superintendent, Dr. Chip Jones, who introduced the administrative staff and gave an overview of the division goals, priorities, and expectations. Dr. Sheri Almond, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Bernice Ford, the Director of Special Education, gave an instructional overview of available resources, an introduction to the Virginia Literacy Act, and an update on changes in the Standards of Learning. Jeffrey Dingeldein, the Director of Technology, along with the division ITRT’s, gave an overview of the technology resources available. This was followed by a mentor/mentee lunch, where the new staff met and were paired off with their mentors. Current teachers at the school agreed to help their new co-workers, answering any questions they might have. After that, the new teachers got a tour of Cumberland County, courtesy of Alfonso Bell and Dr. Elizabeth Jamerson. 

Day 2 of the NTI provided time for new teachers to meet with their principals at their individual schools. Staff members had time to locate their rooms and begin preparing for the opening of school. Lunch was provided by Grand Canyon University.

Cumberland schools hold convocation

One day later, all staff returned for this year’s convocation. Betty Gilliam Scales was chosen as this year’s Alumni Hall of Fame inductee. Scales graduated from Cumberland High and taught in the school system for 45 years. New staff members were then introduced, and Dr. Jones gave an overview of the year. The motivational speaker for the event was Caleb Kimbrough, the head men’s basketball coach for Hampden-Sydney College. Several activities followed and then Dr. Jones gave the closing.

Finally, on Thursday, Aug. 1, the doors opened and students dropped by with their parents. They picked up schedules, met with teachers and learned about different resources to get ready for the first day of school, which was held on Wednesday, Aug. 7.