MANSFIELD – The staff at Discovery School did more than set up classrooms as they were getting ready to welcome students back to school this year.
On Aug. 20, bestselling author Jim Van Allan worked with faculty and staff as he presented his nationally acclaimed workshop “The Energy Bus for Schools” to build culture and cohesiveness as the school welcomes eight new staff members and new positions for several others.
After overcoming budgetary constraints, the school has grown and thrived under the leadership of new Head of School, Simon Clark.
After winning several competitive grants as well as increased enrollment, the school was able to hire new staff to fill new positions and backfill some positions that had been left empty previously after retirements.
Heading into his second year, Clark was looking for a way to keep the strong school culture of Discovery while welcoming growth and new perspectives.
“Dr. Van Allan’s work on positive school culture and building enthusiasm among staff members caught my eye, especially with so many new additions to our staff this year,” explained Head of School, Simon Clark.
“His work really affirms Discovery School’s commitment to approach education differently by building positive relationships with each other, our students, families, and community.”
The staff participated in activities on intentional listening, non-verbal communication, defined values, and considered how they want the school to look, feel, and sound.
From there, they had time to think about actions that would bring those ideas to life for the school, starting with the first day.
“I feel like the Energy Bus philosophy will help me be a better collaborator with my co-workers this year, and help me build better relationships with all the students, too,” said Lori Anderson, an eight-year veteran teacher at the school.
“Since I interact with and support everyone in the school as the Intervention Specialist, that teamwork is so important!”
This marked the kickoff for staff as Discovery School began its 50th year of educating students by looking at the growth of the school since its founding in 1975 and defining that continued vision for the next 50 years and beyond.
For more information on the school, visit www.discovery-school.net.