Provided by Prince William County Schools (PWCS)
Prince William County Public Schools employees are in high gear to ensure a fantastic first day and school year by attending conferences to improve their skills. More than 700 classified personnel participated in the 14th annual Classified Professional Development Conference on Aug. 13.
In the opening address, Superintendent Dr. Steven Walts spoke to the attendees. He described how his various school-related job experiences provided him with a deep understanding and appreciation for what classified employees do. “Each and every PWCS employee plays a vital role in supporting the goal of providing our students with a world-class education experience. Thank you for your hard work and dedication,” said Walts.
School Board Chairman Babur B. Lateef, M.D., spoke to the audience about the key role each employee plays in the education of students. “From achieving 100 percent accreditation, to passing the best budget that we have had in 10 years, we have a lot to be proud of,” said Dr. Lateef. “We couldn’t get our students to school, keep our buildings clean and operational, our offices running, or handle any of the thousands of tasks it takes to make our School Division work, without each of you.”
Attendees also heard from Lyric Lucas, a fourth-grade student at Piney Branch Elementary School and creator of Lyric’s Garden Club. She spoke of her determination and drive to help others in the community. Lucas encouraged attendees to be “a difference maker” in the lives of people, especially the students with whom they interact daily.
The conference’s keynote speaker Dr. Jermaine Davis brought his mix of humor and wisdom to the attendees. In his address, Davis encouraged everyone to be a “difference maker” by creating an individual moment with every person they interact with daily. “You have 20,000 moments in a day, and each moment lasts approximately three seconds. Make them count!” said Davis.
Following the inspiring words of the speakers, attendees could choose from over 30 sessions with topics ranging from Best Strategies & Practices to Enhance Learning Environments to Cultural Awareness & Competency to Mental Health & Awareness to World-Class Customer Service.
From the inspiring words of the conference speakers to the informative sessions attended, the classified employees in attendance left the conference feeling motivated to kick off the school year in high gear.
