Faculty members of Cumberland County Public Schools kicked off the second semester with Recipes for Success — Part II, a professional development day that included sessions on understanding standards, creating and using project-based assessments, incorporating Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) at the elementary level, curriculum enhancement for Pre-K and two Ignite sessions.

“The inspirational keynote address was delivered by Hamish Brewer, currently the skateboard riding principal of Fred M. Lynn Middle School in Prince William, who was instrumental in turning around a school where 40 percent of students were English language learners and over 80 percent of the students were economically disadvantaged,” officials said in a press release. “Brewer, who was named 2017 National Distinguished Principal by the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals, shared insights into his unique leadership style and encouraged teachers to be ‘relentless’ in their efforts to engage students in learning.”

The release cited in keeping with the theme of the day, faculty members participated in a chili cook-off and a cornbread bake-off during lunch.

“The winner of the chili cook-off was Alfonso Bell, representing the Transportation and Athletic Departments; second place winner was Myrna Barr, representing the Cumberland County High School (CCHS), Cumberland County Middle School Foreign Language Department,” officials said in the release. “The winner of the cornbread bake-off was Karen Langhorne, representing the CCHS Office Staff; second place winner was Sheri Almond, representing the Central Office Staff.”

When surveyed about the effectiveness of the day, one teacher stated that this was “a wonderful way to kick off 2018.” Others praised the quality of the experts presenting, the time to collaboration with peers, and the inspirational messages received throughout the day.