Community welcomes 30 new teachers to NCSD

Local businesses and community organizations who are members of the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed 30 new teachers to town during the annual New Teacher & Administrative Staff Welcome Luncheon on Aug. 9 at The Thunderdome.

Amanda Price, executive director of the Newton Chamber of Commerce, said the organization loves welcoming all of the newest educators to the community. Whether teachers are former Cardinals returning to their hometown or are brand new to Newton, Price said she hopes the event helps start their year off right.

“And fill you with Red Pride,” she said. “I’m sure you guys have already heard that a lot, if you’re not from Newton already. Hopefully you have.”

Surrounded by business leaders who support all things Newton, Price said teachers are connected to all their community members. Price encouraged teachers to get to know the folks around them during the luncheon to get better acquainted with their new neighbors.

“Welcome to all of you and thank you for choosing Newton,” Price said.

Clinton Webster, co-owner of The Thunderdome, thanked the teachers for joining the community and the school district, and for preparing the next generation of kids to become productive members of society. He also encouraged the newer teachers to consider local options for entertainment, shopping or other needs.

“The local businesses here in town do a lot for the community,” Webster said. “A small town can’t thrive without the local businesses … especially when it comes to food, drink, entertainment, retail. If you’ve ever driven through a small town and you drive past the square, certain small towns you remember.”

Newton Superintendent Tom Messinger reinforced the significance of having local businesses supporting their school district. It is hard for a school district to exist without the support of businesses and industries, he said, and it is hard for businesses and industries to thrive without schools.

“There are a number of different businesses of all different types in Newton,” Messinger said. “It says a lot when school employees pay back some of the support we receive from the business and industry partners by frequenting their businesses.”

Messinger quoted Martin Luther King Jr.: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”

During his first year serving as the superintendent of Newton schools, he learned the answer to that question. He learned that the city provides “exceptional amounts of support” and takes pride in its community and schools. Messinger asked teachers to take a look around.

“The people who are with us today took time out of their busy schedules to be here to welcome you and let you know that you’re an extremely important part of the community,” he said.