Before starting their official teaching duties this week, ’s new teachers attended orientation Aug. 18 at each of the district's eight schools.
hosted a breakfast for its 16 new teachers, which was served by Ryan Rubenstein, assistant principal of facilities and activities, and Eric Hamilton, assistant principal of curriculum and instruction.
The administration, secretaries and department chairs also attended.
Find out what's happening in Lake Zurichwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“It’s important for the new teachers to get know the staff, because they know the students so well,” said Principal Kim Kolze.
After having a breakfast of fresh-made waffles, sausage links and orange juice, the new staff met with the administration to learn more about field trips, attendance, student services, the school's cell phone policy, and working sporting events as crowd supervisors or ticket-takers.
Find out what's happening in Lake Zurichwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“This is the friendliest administration I’ve ever gotten to know,” said Matt Milazzo, transition teacher for special education and first-year teacher. “Lake Zurich has a great sense of community, and I look forward in seeing that within all the schools.”
The department chairs then had the chance to get together with each new teacher and help get each one acclimated to his or her office space and give the teachers a tour of the building.
“I’m looking forward in helping develop the specialized reading program,” said Emily Boyas, reading specialist. Boyas taught English for six years and is joining staff in a newly created position.
“The reading specialist position is greatly in need and I’m glad to have Emily here,” said Kolze.
Laura Stanton, second-year English teacher, student-taught at .
“I’m really excited about seeing the students I student-taught,” she said.
“I like all the new energy,” said Hamilton about the new teachers. “The breakfast lets (new teachers) know that they are a part of the community and they are important contributors to the school.”
The school year officially starts today with a half-day. Full days begin Aug. 25 across the district.
“I’m happy to have the new teachers here and I look forward to seeing what they have to offer the students and the community,” said Rubenstein.
