The district’s newest teachers spent an afternoon on CHS’s new high ropes course as part of their five days of orientation activities. The new course, set in a stand of trees behind the varsity baseball field, opens to students for the first time this fall.

Lori Barnett, director of curriculum and instruction, was eager to incorporate the new course in the week-long training. Used by both educators and corporate trainers, high ropes courses are widely prized for promoting teamwork, confidence and self-esteem.

“What better opportunity to foster collegiality and strengthen team-building skills among our newest colleagues?” asked Barnett.

Among the other topics covered in the orientation sessions were effective classroom management techniques, the multiple intelligences theory, the Responsive Classroom model and programs including Basic Skills and Gifted and Talented.

Classes resume for students on Wednesday, September 9. Shown in the photos above: CHS wellness teacher Gary Nucera, who is trained on the high ropes course, and new teacher Amir Siddiqu (above, right), preschool teacher Dolores Van Name (below), and French teacher Catherine Som (front page).