Staff Orientation Emphasizes Communication

by Elizabeth Pitts-Hibbard
Photo by Elizabeth Pitts-Hibbard Photo by Elizabeth Pitts-Hibbard

A record number of new Marlow Public School teachers and staff members arrived at orientation on Thursday. The presentation, given by Superintendent George Coffman, not only reviewed administrative obligations like the proper procedure for submitting purchase orders, but also focused on the importance of communication, dedication, and what it means to be an Outlaw.

“The most important part of success at a school is the faculty and staff,” Coffman said as he introduced the fifteen new teachers and support staff, who ranged in experience from first-year teacher Trevor Hudgins to former Central High principal Mark Perry, who came back from retirement and is now doing maintenance for Marlow.

Coffman advised all in attendance to make sure to enjoy their first year with the Marlow Public Schools. “The best job there is is the job you’re doing,” he said.

On the importance of communication, Coffman emphasized that open discussion with parents, students, and administrators is essential to building relationships and knowing what’s going on in students’ lives. “Kids don’t care what you know until they know that you care,” he said.

The new staff orientation was followed on Thursday by a bus driver meeting and a meeting of the coaching staff.

New Marlow Public Schools faculty and staff, Left to Right: Trevor Hudgens, Freddie Crowson, Randy Smith, Erika Cox, Mark Perry, Krystal McMains, Randy Brackett, Haleigh Elroy, Tammie Weakley, Amber Jones, Whitney Broussard, Elisha Austin, Cyndi Woolwine, Penny Sutton, Tony Solomon