BY KARISSA MILLER
Approximately 162 new Iredell-Statesville Schools’ employees were welcomed this week at South Iredell High School in Troutman for the system’s new employee orientation.
The event is annual tradition that brings all of the new teachers and classified employees, such as teacher assistants and office support positions, from across the system under one roof to fill out forms, learn about district policies and get excited about the upcoming school year.
While online orientation is an option for some school systems, I-SS has always favored meeting in person.
“This event kicks off the excitement and push for the beginning of the school year,” said I-SS Executive Director of Human Resources Jill Parker.
“It’s a really uplifting experience,” added I-SS HR Director Linda Gillon.
“Our common theme has been Team I-SS. It’s about teamwork collaboration, and coming together. This is a great time to come together and get the enthusiasm and that start you need for the beginning of the school year,” Parker explained.
The district also offered professional development opportunities for teachers and classified employees this week, which provides them with strategies and support to handle different student behaviors.
As far as classified employees, Gillon said that many are local residents who are changing positions or schools. The district is pleased that some of the teacher assistants, who were previously paid with federal COVID funds were able to move into full-time positions this year.
The district has approximately 124 new teachers. Some are recent graduates of North Carolina colleges and universities, some are veteran teachers who have moved from other states, and others are making a career change.
On Thursday, all new teachers visited their respective school sites for to get to their know school and see their classroom.
At Troutman Elementary School, Principal Kimberly Cressman reviewed the processes and policies for a group of new teachers.
“We are excited to welcome all the new faces that includes new teachers, a new assistant principal, administration intern and we’ve added some trailers, which we are calling ‘tornado alley,’ ” she said.
Several new teachers at TES come from different walks of life.
Among the new faces is Gretchen Morin, a first-grade teacher, who is transferring from another school district.
“I really want to be a part of the community, and my children go to school here,” she said.
Kaley Whicker, a recent graduate of UNC-Greensboro, will also teach first-graders.
“I’m just excited to be here. All of my hard work has paid off. I can’t wait to meet my students and build a relationship with them,” Whicker said.
Renee Lowen, an experiences teacher from West Virginia, will be teaching third-graders. She has found the school community to be welcoming and is looking forward to starting the school year.
Sierra Castillo, a STEM teacher, said it’s her first-year teaching. She previously worked at Troutman Middle School.
“I will be seeing all of the students,” she explained. “I’ll have a coding program that I will be using. I’m very excited.”
Crystal Robbins is a fifth-grade teacher who is returning to the classroom after a 17-year hiatus. She said that her kids are older now and her parenting schedule has changed.
Maria Garces, a second-grade teacher, is entering her first year teaching. She said she’s passionate about teaching kids and also will draw on her experiences as a Spanish teacher assistant to manage her classroom.
Meranda Nelson, a third-grade teacher, said she’s excited to finally have her own classroom.
“It’s always been my dream since I’ve been a little girl,” she said. “I can’t wait to meet my kids.”
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