Teachers and Staff Start School a Day Early

Opening bells rang across Carbon County School District No. 2 on Monday morning signaling the start of the 2023/2024 academic year as parents captured “First Day” memories of their children.

First day for CCSD2 staff members, however, began early. Preparation by the administration, faculty and staff began well before students arrived at the six district schools. On August 18, at the Platte Valley Community Center, the 200 employees of the school district gathered for an assembly to kick off the year.

Superintendent Darrin Jennings addressed the group with welcoming remarks before a brief workshop was held to share ideas, consider challenges and talk solutions. The teachers and staff members gathered by category with all teachers of a grade level from the various schools joining together to tap best practices for the classrooms. Staff members from transportation, food service, maintenance and administrative support talked through considerations for improving operations.

Noel Manning, Director of Curriculum, also addressed the room. There were a number of achievements by the faculty, and the STEM department was recognized for their participation in a national program which also took them to a conference in Philadelphia.

A highlight of the district meeting was the awarding of Teacher of the Year and Staff Member of the Year for the previous school calendar year. There were several outstanding nominees, all with significant achievements and all endorsed by their peers.

Melissa Spaulding, a 2nd grade teacher at Saratoga Elementary was named Teacher of the Year. The Staff Member of the Year is Cindy Larson, who has spent 36 years working in the school district’s transportation department driving the northern routes in Hanna, Medicine Bow and Elk Mountain.

Later in the morning, everyone collected by individual school at the front of the auditorium. Principals shared a review and highlights of the previous year, special recognitions and an overview of upcoming changes. New teachers and staff members were introduced, along with School Resource Officer Tyler Christen.

Superintendent Jennings said there would be “about 633 students” attending area schools this year. Although final enrollment numbers will be confirmed sometime in the next several days, that would represent an increase of 25 students over last year.