The district welcomed 38 new teachers at an orientation attended by members of the board of education and administrators prior to the start of the 2016-2017 school year.
The new faculty members will begin their Freeport careers across the district's eight schools on Sept. 1. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham offered inspiring words of advice to the teachers and encouraged them to make a difference in students' lives.
"You're not here by chance," Dr. Kuncham said. "You have been chosen, and you have come here for a great purpose to be on a journey with all of us - bringing your energy, your enthusiasm, your heart and your soul, and everything that you have for our children. We are confident that you will do whatever it takes to energize our organization, inspire our kids, bring the very best out of them so that they can reach their truest potential and rise to your own truest potential."
Board Vice President Anthony Miller and trustee Ernest J. Kight, Jr. also welcomed the teachers with speeches of their own.
"When we tell you that you have joined a family, we really mean you have joined the Freeport family," Miller said. "I want you to walk through these halls, look at these children you're educating, and know exatly what you hold in your hands. You hold the future of each and every one of those children in your hands. You have the ability to craft a life."
"Remember, there are three medals: bronze, silver and gold," Kight, Jr. said. "Once you achieve one of them, it is a tremendous feat, and that's what is going to happen to these kids. You do not have to invent the wheel. Seek the aid, if you need, from your administrators, colleagues, veterans, secretaries, hall guards and custodians. They are all there for you."
Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Special Projects Dr. Mary Bediako administered a pledge to the new teachers, who vowed that they would provide a safe and positive classroom environment for all students.
"You took that pledge with me and I'm going to hold you to it," Dr. Bediako said. "We are here to help you and to guide you. It's going to be challenging, but also rewarding. We welcome all of you to Freeport."
Each teacher was then provided with the book, "Teach Like a Champion" by Doug Lemov. The group then collectively received a bus tour of the district, visiting the buldings where they will soon begin making their marks.
