By Grace Usher

More than 600 teachers attended the Annual Teacher Back-To-School Rally to kick-off the 2018-19 school year early Wednesday morning. Teachers from all six elementary schools, Thunderbolt Middle School, and Lake Havasu High School gathered in the Performing Arts Center at Lake Havasu High School. This year, Calvary Baptist Academy and Telesis Preparatory Academy also joined in the bash.

Superintendent Diana Assier began the rally with the announcement of the five core propositions presented by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

“Today we are focused on getting to know students. Before we can teach students, we have to understand students. That’s really the basis of our work,” said LHHS Assistant Principal Jamie Festa-Daigle.

K-12 Foundation member Jamie Hammer presents checks for $2,000 to each of the principals in the LHUSD. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The K-12 Foundation honored each school within the LHUSD #1 with $2,000 to be used at the school’s discretion for much-needed items.

All new teachers were acknowledged by the district. Carol Nowakowski welcomed back new staff.

Carol Nowakowski excitedly runs down the aisle at the Teacher Kick Off Wednesday morning. Nowakowski spoke at the teacher kick off after recently attending a taping of The Price Is Right. The episode she attended will air in September. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The main focus of the Rally was the presentation of Rachel’s Challenge. Rachel Scott was the first victim of the infamous Columbine shooting. Now, her morals of spreading kindness have been transformed into programs for school children. This event was the first announcement of the program coming to Lake Havasu Schools.

Rachel’s Challenge will be highlighted more in depth. Stay Tuned!

Erin O’Callaghan/RiverScene

Teachers gather up and discuss the presentation Rachels Challenge. Erin O’Callaghan/RiverScene

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