On September 9, Kirtland Local Schools welcomed and gave a tour to State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria and State Board member Tim Miller. DeMaria and Miller were greeted in the front entrance of Kirtland High School by the drumline from the school’s band as well as peer student leaders.
Students then went to The Nest where the guests were interviewed by students on camera in front of the green screen using the school’s broadcast technology. They then visited the middle school’s eighth-grade band. DeMaria was their honorary conductor for the class. They also visited two science classes at the middle school.
Fifth graders were excited to showcase their work in their STEAM class and had fun recording a morning video announcement for Friday, September 10 with DeMaria. The afternoon visit concluded with a “read aloud” with kindergarten students.
“We were delighted to have the State Superintendent visit us here at Kirtland today,” said Superintendent Chad VanArnhem. During DeMaria’s visit, VanArnhem and his team were able to showcase the district’s ‘Profile of a Hornet’ work as well as the college and career readiness program, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Program, Kindness Council, math and English language arts curriculum, wellness initiatives, and the Responsive Classroom program at KES.
“It was an incredible visit to Kirtland Local Schools,” said DeMaria. “The district is focused on whole child wellness and learning supports, relationship-building and preparing students to succeed on every step of their learning journeys. Thanks to the educators, staff and students for welcoming me.”