From wide smiles and long hugs to getting into the work of a new school year, teachers in Killeen ISD made an exciting return Monday to the district’s 50-plus schools.
Educators this week will dive into learning procedures, welcome new staff members and review the culture of the district and individual schools leading to the start of school next week.
At Killeen Elementary School, Principal Yanitzie Oquendo began her 22nd year as an educator, moving from Cavazos Elementary School in Nolanville to the school in downtown Killeen.
“The beginning of a school year is extremely exciting,” she said. “It’s anticipating all the good things we are going to do this year for our students and families. I appreciate their energy. They are pumped and ready to dive into deep, meaningful work. That excites me.”
Relationships, inspiration and culture defined the start of the professional development.
At Oquendo’s invitation, Acting Superintendent Terri Osborne provided an inspirational charge to the returning campus staff members.
“There’s more to the story,” she said, identifying the title of her message and summarizing its content.
“Do you see the story,” she asked the assembled educators. “If we don’t see the story of our students, we don’t know why the fight or flight or freeze happens when we want them to do the (work).”
Born to a mother who struggled with homelessness, Osborne spent her young life in foster care and credits public school leaders in south Dallas and her caring guardians with her success.
“I remember my teachers advocating for me to be in GT. I remember destination imagination, volleyball, soccer, basketball. I had a great experience because of public school. The things we do in Killeen matter to the child’s story,” she said.
When her foster father underwent cancer treatment, it was school counselors, she said, who helped her through, even as she graduated from high school and continued to Texas Tech University.
“I want you to know I remember people just like you. I remember every single teacher who made a difference in my life,” she said, noting a memorable science project, a kind music teacher and a principal who guided her to join a school TV crew.
She also listed influential coaches, an algebra teacher who challenged her and an English teacher who expected excellence.
She spoke of the invisible backpacks that children carry representing the burdens they bring to school from the outside. “You are the people who help them unpack that backpack before we can teach. You are on a mission in a mission field. The work is so hard, and it is so rewarding.”
She urged the school staff members to take the time to learn their students’ interests and needs beyond their names.
“They need you just like I needed every educator I encountered in my life. You are the difference.”
Fourth grade teacher Monica Proctor, entering her 26th year teaching, praised Osborne’s charge and said she continues to be motivated to teach.
“I’m really excited about being back with kids,” she said. “They are the reason I continue to look forward to coming back. I’m excited about the direction of our school, the shared mission and vision.”
Third grade teacher Amber Davila, in her fifth-year teaching is following students she taught a year ago in second grade.
“I’ll be there at the door welcoming the kids. They are super excited to be back, and I am excited to see them again after the break.”
Meet the teacher is set for 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7 at all KISD elementary schools. The first day of school across the district is Wednesday, Aug. 13.
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