On January 3, the McDuffie County School System held its second annual professional learning mini-conference. Presenters included McDuffie County teachers, school social workers, school psychologists, and administrators as well as CSRA RESA, Georgia Public Broadcasting, Thinking Maps, the Cyber Innovation Center, and the Georgia Department of Education. Session topics addressed active engagement, math modeling, writing, reading strategies, paraprofessional support, special education, and classroom management. Additionally, among the most popular sessions were those related to technology and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) education.
Training was provided for custodians and maintenance staff, while school social workers provided the annual suicide prevention update for central office staff members. Margaret Samuels led a Positive Behavior Supports and Interventions (PBIS) session for the Transportation Department, and McDuffie Fire Rescue Services certified 8 faculty and staff members to render CPR.