Herricks Public Schools Staff Convenes Virtually

Press release from Syntax:

Sept. 12, 2020

The Herricks Public Schools held a Superintendent’s Conference Day series from Aug. 31-Sept. 2 in anticipation of opening day. The program kicked off with a virtual live stream convocation that brought the entire faculty together to gear up for a successful school year despite these unusual times. This was followed by remote and in-person workshops that varied by department and grade level.

In the opening Google Meet, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fino Celano and Board of Education President Henry Zanetti shared welcoming remarks and introduced keynote speaker Dr. Laura Quiros, associate professor of social work at Adelphi University. She presented on “Educating in a time of complex trauma: Healing our students and ourselves.”
Dr. Quiros reflected on her own experiences and emphasized the significance of identity, relationships, sharing of self, diversity and equity and how people are impacted by these elements. She also acknowledged traumatic events of the spring and summer and addressed ways to reach, connect with and engage students.

The remainder of the program featured an assortment of topics including COVID-19 symptoms, response and prevention, social distancing and other health and safety protocols. It covered remote learning and hybrid models, including best practices, digital resources, supplies and instructional plans. All staff members received mental health training on building resilience in classrooms during uncertain times and incorporating strategies for self-care.

Numerous sessions explored tools for teaching and distance learning. Staff members at each building and in every subject are equipped for the 2020-21 school year and are dedicated to ensuring that students receive the resources that they need in order to excel.

This press release was produced by Syntax. The views expressed here are the author's own.