By Lisa Carolin
It felt like the first day of school for 46 new staff members in the Chelsea School District. Teachers, parapros, custodians, administrators and other new staff members attended an orientation just for them on Aug. 22.
Among the new employees is Superintendent Julie Helber, who actually started her job in July. The former Saline High School Principal asked each new employee to introduce themselves, and share where they are from and what they are excited about.
Many of the new employees are from Chelsea and graduated from the school district. Some have children attending schools in the district. One new employee summed up his excitement when he said, “I’m excited to be teaching in the best school district in the state of Michigan.”
Helber shared, “I am in the same boat and am very excited to be here. When you need help and support, these people around the room are here for you (referring to the administrators, who each introduced themselves).
“The most important part of Chelsea schools are the people we choose to work with our children,” said Beach Middle School Principal Nick Angel.
High School Principal Mike Kapolka said, “Chelsea is a destination. We moved here for the purpose of coming to Chelsea schools.”
South Meadows Elementary School Principal Stacy Battaglia identified a number of new employees whom she recognized.
“Kids who went to school here are back because they know Chelsea is a great place,” she said.
After the administrators were excused, Helber addressed the new staff members about a project underway to identify what Chelsea graduates need to have when they leave the school district including social, emotional and academic categories.
“We’re all focused on the same goal and focused on students,” she said. “It says a lot that Chelsea graduates want to come back here. They’re invested.”
