JOINING STAFF — Twelve new teachers and staff members have been added to the Indian Creek Local School District this year and will be recognized during a reception this Thursday at 5:15 p.m. prior to the regular school board meeting at Indian Creek High School. Joining the faculty are, from left, teachers Emilee Jackson, Amanda Baker, Melissa Kernan, Carly Jo Laughery, Amber Scott and Tia Taglione; and back, teachers Curry Triplett, Kayla Randazzo, John Josefczyk, Bobby Zinsmeister and social worker Doug Knight. Danielle James also is a new staff member. -- Contributed

WINTERSVILLE — Incoming teachers are becoming familiar with their new surroundings as they join the Indian Creek Local School District.

Twelve new staff members will be recognized during a special reception at 5:15 p.m. Thursday prior to the regular school board meeting at Indian Creek High School, but they first took part in an orientation session on Monday. Superintendent T.C. Chappelear welcomed them aboard as he and administrators highlighted some important information before the school year starts on Aug. 24.

“This will be the ninth year we’ve done this (reception) and we always enjoy meeting the new teachers,” Chappelear said. “This is also a great way to welcome them to the Indian Creek family.”

Among the added faculty are new and longtime educators, including math teacher John Josefczyk, intervention specialist Curry Triplett and drama teacher Bobby Zinsmeister at Indian Creek High School; intervention specialist Amanda Baker, English/language arts teacher Emilee Jackson, physical education teacher Kayla Randazzo and science teacher Tia Taglione at Indian Creek Middle School; kindergarten teacher Danielle James, preschool teacher Melissa Kernan, preschool special needs teacher Carly Jo Laughery and intervention specialist Amber Scott at Cross Creek Elementary; and district social worker Doug Knight.

Administrators shared details about everything from licensure and personnel issues to professional development opportunities. District Curriculum Coordinator Michele Minto discussed the resident educator program, while Assistant Superintendent John Belt touched upon a variety of matters such as health insurance, school safety and social media. Special Education Coordinator John Rocchi spoke on programming and assistance for students with Technology Director George Vein highlighting online programs, apps and related services while Indian Creek Education Association President Karen Lloyd and Treasurer Sarah Houser discussed union supports and services. The ICEA later provided lunch for the group at Zalenski’s Family Eatery and Pub.

Chappelear noted that the district has undergone consolidation during its 56-year history, stemming from the Wayne, Mingo Junction Exempted and Cross Creek Memorial school districts, which united in 1966. He said Indian Creek weathered some challenges since that time but has turned a corner to become a true school community and is looking ahead to an even brighter future. He welcomed the teachers and said he was excited to have them in the district.

“Our mission statement is ‘Providing time and support students need to be successful,'” he commented, saying the district planned to focus this year on cultural responsiveness, chronic absenteeism, school safety and security and the four-year graduation rate. “To the longtime educators, I’m glad and thankful you’ve decided to come to Indian Creek. To the new teachers, we’re glad you chose Indian Creek to make your professional career.”