Friday, Greene County teachers and staff were treated to a free breakfast and a welcome back program in the high school auditorium.

The annual school year kick-off event started with Jefferson Library Director Jane Millard talking about continuing their partnership with the school district and using them for their resources to help kids learn and read. This year’s summer reading program theme was “Build a Better World” and Millard stressed the importance of what teachers  do to “Build a Better World” for all of us. She also talked about a new resource at the library called “Tumble Books.” The animated talking books are for pre-kindergarten through fourth graders and it was used 24,000 times last year.

Superintendent Tim Christensen then gave some remarks. He introduced the ten new teachers to the district and re-introduced teachers and staff that came back after taking time off.  He went over the district’s new vision and mission statement as well as the new values that were developed. He talked about each value, including “contributing to a positive culture and environment.”

“There is a lot going on in society today. I’m not saying anything about where anybody should stand, but we’ve got kids for six hours per day, it is our responsibility to be positive role models when they’re here display for them positive climate and culture. We owe that to kids. They need to see that that’s how society should be.”

The 2017-18 school year for Greene County School District starts on Wednesday, August 23rd.