CM 201-U held its annual all staff Opening Day celebration on August 22, 2023 at Crete-Monee High School. Staff, administration, and board members were welcomed by the marching band, color guard, cheerleaders, and cadets from the NJROTC program as they entered the building. Teams cheered and rallied around staff, getting them enthusiastic for yet another school year.
Staff enjoyed breakfast while mingling with their colleagues, took fun photos in our back to school photobooth, and proceeded to the auditorium. Board President Maurice Brown began the presentation by welcoming staff back and addressing how important staff is to the students. Superintendent, Dr. Kara Coglianese discussed where the district is headed as a whole and how administration is always available to support staff, emphasizing our 2023-2024 theme - “Supporting U”. The presentation was then handed over to guest keynote speaker Dr. Manny Scott.
Dr. Manny Scott returned to CM 201-U for his second year in a row, delivering a motivational speech, inspiring teachers and staff for the upcoming school year. Dr. Manny Scott briefly recounted his personal story that he shared last year on his journey from high school dropout to receiving his PhD.
Dr. Manny Scott then transitioned his focus to how teachers and staff can reach underperforming students. Dr. Manny Scott equipped staff with suggestions on how to develop awareness, understanding, and the necessary skills to reach, teach, and empower even the most underperforming students in effective and appropriate ways. He emphasized the importance of making students feel heard and empowered in order to succeed in school, work, and in life.
After Dr. Manny Scott’s inspirational speech, staff relocated to the gymnasium for the inaugural CM 201-U Unity Games. Staff enjoyed a friendly competition amongst the school buildings. Representatives were chosen from each school building to participate in pop culture trivia questions and games, such as moving candy to a cup using only a straw and running while balancing a stress ball on a spoon. It was a close competition, but ultimately Balmoral Elementary took the lead and were declared as the winner! Balmoral Elementary celebrated with donuts for the entire staff on the first day of school!
After the inaugural games, staff were treated to lunch and then returned to their individual buildings to prepare for the start of the upcoming school year. Welcome back staff! We hope you have a great school year!