Professional Development

Professional Development at ICHS

Immaculate Conception High School kicked off another extraordinary school year with its Faculty and Staff Professional Development Series during the week of August 31, 2020.

Every morning Mr. Joseph R. Azzolino, Head of School, welcomed the faculty and staff with positivity and a warm message for the new academic year. Mr. Azzolino, Mrs. Jessica Cutrona, Associate Head of School and Dean of Student Life, and Mrs. Stephanie Kedersha RN, and ICHS School Nurse, instructed and reiterated daily and in great detail, the safety precautions and protocols outlined in the “Road Back to ICHS COVID-19 Safety Plan”. Time was given after each session for questions and answers to ensure all were comfortable and in full knowledge of the plan.

Miss Kelly Koval, Dean of Academics, presented her 2020-2021 objectives for faculty and students. Miss Rebecca Manzano, Guidance Counselor, provided an overview of the Guidance Department’s standards. She shared information about the variety of clubs and exciting internship opportunities ICHS will provide our students whether in person or virtual. Sister Alexander Siegel, Mission Leader and Campus Minister, shared profound words of encouragement for everyone acknowledging the difficulties of dealing with the pandemic. She shared and reflected on the essence of our core values, mission, and service.

Mrs. Dorothy Laverty, School Business Administrator, shared pertinent details regarding the policies and procedures of expense reimbursements, benefits, and payroll. She explained the new lunch time procedure for all students and faculty which will ensure the safety of everyone while maintaining social distancing. Mr. Michael Wada, Information Technology Coordinator, conducted training sessions for all

faculty and staff on the many components and resources of Google Suite and Plus Portals they can utilize in their specific area.

Dr. Sonaliz Morel-Baker, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, Miss Nicole Mineo, Coordinator of Enrollment Management, and Miss Sherry Batelli, Development and Strategic Events Associate, presented an outline of events and important dates planned for the Institutional Advancement and Enrollment Advancement Management Office. Dr. Morel-Baker and Miss Mineo shared plans and dates may need to be changed or altered due to COVID but ensured everyone that the students will still get the best experience possible.

Mr. Dale Fava, Director of Athletics, shared how excited he was to be the new Director of Athletics. He provided sports updates on the ICHS Athletic program and exclaimed how he was looking forward to building our sports programs even bigger and better. The ICHS faculty and staff also had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Thomas Gambino, Education Specialist, and Mr. Jeff Gale, Director at the New Jersey Department of Education, stressing the importance of school safety.

The week ended with a powerful and informative Mental Health and Diversity Training from Sergeant Lynette Shaw, CEO of Lynn Shaw and supportive words from Dr. George Abaunza, Chair of the ICHS Board of Trustees.

Mr. Azzolino exclaimed, “We are incredibly grateful to have heard and learned so much from knowledgeable professionals. I have full confidence in the safety plan we created informed by national, state, and local guidelines, medical advice, and best practices in an effort to keep our students, faculty, and staff safe."