Technology, Writing Skills Important to New Superintendent
By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
New Avon Elementary School Superintendent Helen Payne plans to make writing skills one of the first things on her new agenda.
I really want to focus on the writing program, Payne said. I want the students to write frequently and do different kinds of writing.
The new superintendent is also seeking to incorporate technology in the writing program.
I want to strike a balance between good computer skills and good writing skills, says the superintendent.
To do this, Payne says she and her staff will investigate the current research on effective writing techniques before coming up with a new program.
We are not going to just introduce one program, it will be a conglomeration of research and ideas, says Payne.Payne came from Washington Township in Mercer County, where she served as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. While there she developed the curriculum for that districts new high school, which opened earlier this month. The ninth grade program began a year ago, but not in the new building.
That was a very exciting experience, says Payne, its not very often that you get an opportunity to start from scratch.
Coaster Photo
Helen Payne is the new school superintendent in Avon.
But, thus far, the new superintendent says she is beginning to feel very much at home in her new district. Payne taught for several years in Washington Township, which at the time was a small kindergarten through eighth grade district.
I really liked that family atmosphere, she says. And it was one of the reasons that she pursued working in the Avon School district as a superintendent/principal.
I could be a superintendent, but still stay connected to the kids as their principal. Its great to see the teachers on a daily basis and to be able to see the kids on a daily basis and really get to know them, she says. That is something you dont get in a larger district.
Payne also says that because Avon is a walking district she also gets to speak to the parents when they are dropping off and picking up their children at school.
Another educational concept Payne hopes to accomplish this year is the student-centered classroom.
I want to walk into the classroom and see students involved in active learning, says Payne. Students should be involved and interacting with each other.
Payne says this approach will help students attain her goal of helping students learn how to cooperate and work together. She explains that a recent survey taken of employers shows that the one thing they are looking for in employees is the ability to work as a team.
Before reading and writing skills, this is what they are looking for, she added.
Payne says that the staff have been very supportive and offered their assistance with anything she may need. Its been a good working relationship.
One extra added bonus, says Payne, is working at the shore.
Is there ever anything wrong with being at the shore? she asked laughing. Its been a lot of hard work, but Im having a ball.
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