The new hires include teachers who began their tenure in the spring following graduation from local universities, staff hired over the summer, and SUNY Fredonia students who will complete their student teaching placements at JPS this year.

JPS Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker welcomed the new staff members on the first day of orientation.

“We have an awesome school district here — it’s a big school district,” Whitaker told the group. “Don’t let that intimidate you. … Big doesn’t mean scary and big doesn’t mean impersonal. We are here for kids and this is a wonderful job. It gets you all these boosts of energy all the time when unexpected stuff happens. But sometimes it doesn’t really go that way and it’s important to remember this stuff.”

Whitaker encouraged the group to stay curious throughout their career.

Bush Elementary School Principal Kate Benson engages with new teachers during a session with district principals.

“This is the secret to having a great career: You’re not here to learn how to do it and learn how to repeat it year after year, because it’s different every year,” he said. “You’re here to learn how to adjust to the things that happen differently every year. I welcome you, I thank you for coming, and I wish you the very best.”

The new staff members come from a diverse background — some are alumni of Jamestown High School returning home to teach in the district in which they were raised, while others are new to the area entirely. Others had the chance to learn about the district after student teaching in JPS buildings or learned more about the area at local job and recruitment fairs.

Allisyn Arotin will join Lincoln Elementary School as a kindergarten teacher. A native of Indiana, Pa., she fell in love with the “unique” atmosphere of the community.

“I immediately felt welcomed, supported and celebrated by the staff and admin,” she said. “It felt like I was joining a team that genuinely values everyone, whether staff or student and a place where we share a passion for the work that we do.”

Johnstown, N.Y. native Ariana Vuskalns will join Persell Middle School as a fifth grade teacher after graduating from SUNY Geneseo last spring. She first became aware of the district at the annual Teacher Recruitment Day at the Niagara Falls Convention Center.

Jamestown Public Schools new teachers and staff pose for a picture in front of the National Comedy Center during a visit to downtown Jamestown on a bus tour of the city.

“I had an interview at Persell Middle School and fell in love with where the school was located,” Vuskalns said. “I am so excited to become a part of such a large school district that has a close community feel to it! Everyone I have met so far has been super nice and very helpful! I cannot wait to become a part of the team! ”

The group spent four days meeting and learning with representatives from the instructional, student support, and information services teams, Jamestown Teachers’ Association, and human resources.

The new staff members worked with Jennifer Hobbs, Coordinator of School Improvement & Innovation and district instructional coaches to familiarize themselves with the district, its instructional practices, professional development opportunities, and logistics surrounding observation practices. District principals also had the chance to work with the new staff on best professional practices at school.

The group also worked with Jeff Kresge and Jason Kathman, technology integration coaches, to learn about the district’s technology platforms as well as best practices in using technology to enhance learning. New hires also took a bus tour around the district to learn about the Jamestown community that included special guests Mayor Kim Ecklund and United Way executive director Amy Rohler.

“We are excited to welcome our new teachers and staff to Jamestown Public Schools,” said Hobbs. “The New Hire Welcome Summit is just the first step in a comprehensive Induction Program designed to support their success and professional growth. Throughout the year, we’ll continue providing opportunities to help them meet their goals and ensure JPS students receive the very best education.”