Senior McKenna Seegers and the Touch of Class orchestra welcomed back the Neenah Joint School District staff with a student-led convocation for the eighth straight year.

Seegers served as Master of Ceremonies and opened the event with heartfelt comments about how her third grade teacher at Spring Road Elementary School inspired her plans to be a teacher. She also recognized several staff members for the impact on her life. Seegers closed the ceremonies by singing “Go the Distance” from the movie, Hercules.

Board of Education President Michelle Swardenski made a passionate speech about the importance of graduation for all students and shared the Board’s goal of increasing the District’s graduation rate by two percentage points each year. Swardenski received a standing ovation from the staff following her remarks.

Superintendent Dr. Mary Pfeiffer followed by sharing the idea of “212” and how one extra degree makes water boil and can make all the difference. Pfeiffer emphasized working differently, not harder, and using extra minutes during the day to build closer relationships with their students. She gave examples of staff members who have gone the extra degree, including high school orchestra teacher Philip Smyth, who had his Touch of Class ensemble perform a piece. The group will be traveling to China during the upcoming school year for performances.

The event featured over $4,000 in door prizes for randomly-selected staff members provided by several Neenah businesses and District business partners. Included in the prizes were an autographed Aaron Rodgers football, Packer tickets, a portable speaker, fitness items and numerous gift cards to local businesses. Nine days off were also distributed where one of the District Administrators will sub for a teacher or non-certified staff member. The staff member may choose any day during the school year for the administrative sub.

The new employees introduced themselves in a video and the 2016-17 Employees of the Year were honored. Children of District staff members who attend school in Neenah also provided video “shout-outs” on accomplishments or things they like about their schools.

Staff members were clad in red and white and made contributions to local charities. Food was collected and donated to Ruth’s Pantry in the annual Bob Melzer Food Drive, while contributions of school supplies were collected for the Educator’s Closet

A wellness expo with various local organizations and businesses followed in the cafeteria. The entire staff returned to the high school fieldhouse afterwards for a presentation by child clinical psychologist Dr. Donna Rifkin. She spoke about trauma impacts and interventions for chronic traumatic stress for children.