Tuesday, September 6, 2022 2:46 pm

Photo Courtesy Nancy Morris - In front from left are new Willapa Valley School District educators Willapa Valley Middle-High School Principal Kristeen Johnson, elementary paraeducator Sheila Tjostvolson, middle-high school special education teacher Bethan

MENLO - Willapa Valley Schools got off to a strong start for the 2022-23 school year with two days of educator training last Monday (August 29) and Tuesday (August 30). Students went back to school last Wednesday.

"We welcomed 10 terrific new staff members this year, which in itself is exciting, and many are beginning their first year in the classroom, which has heightened the anticipation for this new school year," Willapa Valley School District Superintendent Nancy Morris told the Herald.

Staff training days focused on Social Emotional Learning, featuring a training in "True Colors", a system that helps people understand their personalities and their personal strengths and also helps them understand others better. True Colors principles can help teachers create lessons, assessments, and even classroom environments that appeal to a wider range of students.

Staff training also focused on school safety, including a refresher ALICE (active intruder) training. The two days of training culminated in a team scavenger hunt through the middle-high school that helped all staff learn about Willapa Valley's distinguished history, achievements, and alumni.

"The scavenger hunt was a lot of fun and the perfect way to kick off the new year, blending laughter with learning," Morris added.