Special to L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Principals, assistant principals and master teachers from St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools crafted goals, were brought up to date on procedures and got energized for the new school year during a two-day Administrative Institute.

The workshop, held July 29-30 at LaPlace Elementary School, was led by central office staff, with the goal of getting everyone on the same page with the district’s mission and focus ahead of the 2014-15 school year.

The new school year for most students in St. John begins Monday.

“It’s a great way to kick start the new year,” Superintendent Kevin George said. “Not only are they learning, they’re having fun while learning.”

Part of the fun included a challenge dubbed “The Amazing Race,” with administrators receiving clues then rushing around the campus to solve them and claim their next task, such as forming a vision and mission statement for their schools.

Such serious tasks were the ultimate goal of the workshop, with exposure to changed curriculums in English Language Arts and Math and presentations addressing technology, emergency preparedness, personnel and college and career readiness among the items on the agenda.

The administrators also received updates from all departments regarding any changes in policies and procedures.

“These whole two days have been about teamwork, vision, goals and strategies to realize the ultimate vision of making St. John a top 10 school district in the next five years,” said Margaret Cage, supervisor of school improvement.