Staff Opening Day Invitation

Wenatchee School District Staff,

Hello! I’m Dr. Paul Gordon your new superintendent, and I’m honored and excited to have been chosen to join the Wenatchee School District. The start of the school year is fast approaching and I hope you’ll be able to squeeze some fun and enjoyment out of the remaining days of summer. I look forward to meeting you and would like to personally invite you to join me at our annual Opening Day Celebration on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 from 7:30-11:00 a.m., at Wenatchee High School, 1101 Millerdale Ave.  

This year's theme is "Connections and Belonging" which ties into the efforts of our staff to establish a district-wide focus on Social-Emotional Learning. A group gathering like Opening Day is a wonderful way for our employees to re-connect and develop a shared sense of belonging as we head into a new school year. 

Below you’ll find the agenda for Opening Day that includes an information & benefits fair and continental breakfast. I’ll also have the opportunity to introduce myself to you during the all-staff assembly and share my transition plan which includes time and meaningful opportunities to listen and learn from you and our other stakeholders.

To wrap up the Opening Day, Character Strong co-founder, Houston Kraft, will deliver an engaging and uplifting talk about the “The Why Behind Social-Emotional Learning”. Huston has spoken to nearly a half a million people at 500 engagements and counting. The Character Strong training and curriculum create more compassionate cultures in schools and communities.

Please note, that August 20 is required as part of the District Professional Development Days for Certificated Staff. Classified staff will be time sheeted for their attendance (see your building principal for the process).

In a short time, I already feel a great sense of connection and belonging in Wenatchee. I look forward to deepening that sentiment and continuing to build upon the work our students, staff, parents and the community have already accomplished. See you on August 20!

Opening Day Agenda:

7:30-8:30 a.m.  I WHS Commons
Information & Benefits Fair, Continental Breakfast

8:45-9:30 a.m.  I WHS Auditorium 
Door Prize Giveaway * Begins promptly at 8:45.
All-staff Assembly 

9:30-11:00 a.m. I WHS Auditorium
Houston Kraft, The Why Behind Social-Emotional Learning

Sincerely,

Paul