Orientation and In-service Events Build Community Amongst Faculty and Staff

The beginning of a new school year is an exciting time of possibilities for students and teachers alike. But for faculty and staff members beginning their employment at University School of Milwaukee, the influx of information and new names and faces can feel overwhelming.

USM’s orientation program for new employees is designed to make their introduction to the school community feel fun and welcoming, rather than overwhelming, and to introduce newcomers to the people and culture of USM. It occurs over two days, and includes a mix of social events and activities that acclimate new employees to life at USM.  

Activities on the first day of orientation, Monday, Aug. 18, included an introduction to the school’s mission, an ice-breaker activity, an opportunity to get to know members of USM’s leadership team, an extended tour of USM’s campus by Outdoor Education Coordinator Kip Jacobs ’74, and a panel of students who shared some of their favorite traditions, spaces, and even favorite USM meals at lunch with new employees. “USM is a big institution, so it's nice for people to have a shared experience and sense of community when they’re doing something totally new,” said Amy Hand, assistant head of school. 

On the second day, Tuesday, Aug. 19, new employees took an extended tour of the main campus building and participated in a scavenger hunt activity. They also received CPR and safety drill training, and finished with a social hour, where they met their faculty mentors and mingled with members of USM’s leadership team at the head of school residence on campus.

The full faculty returned to campus for three days of in-service meetings and activities starting on Wednesday, Aug. 20, when they met new team members and participated in a brief school-wide meeting. That same day, all faculty and staff were invited to participate in a unique opportunity to experience Milwaukee and learn about the city as a living classroom. The experiences were organized by a committee, and employees could choose from tours of the following: Wood National Cemetery, Milwaukee Art Museum, Lake Park, Forest Home Cemetery, Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility, Bradley Symphony Center, Black Holocaust Museum, Kinship Community Food Center (also included a service component), American Family Field, biking a portion of the Oak Leaf Trail, and walking the Milwaukee RiverWalk. Teachers were encouraged to think about ways they could incorporate the city of Milwaukee into their classrooms, whether through field trips, guest speakers, or integrating local resources into classroom learning.

Certain key traditions during this week help to establish a positive culture and celebratory start to the new school year. The first all-employee lunch on Thursday, Aug. 21 featured a warm welcome and introduction of the school’s newest hires to all faculty and staff; while the second all-employee lunch on Friday, Aug. 22 was devoted to milestone celebrations of employees beginning their 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th, and 40th year of service to the school, all of whom were toasted with individual words of recognition. At the end of the day, all were invited to a happy hour event at the head of school residence on campus. 

“When we hire someone, we want to make sure they will be a happy and engaged member of our community,” said Hand. “Having strong relationships between students, parents, and faculty and staff is what makes USM so special. This week of orientation and in-service events is one of the most important ways that we impress upon people what those relationships look and feel like at USM, and why it’s such a special place to work.”