Responsive Classroom Training and ISACS Conference Support PD at Orchard

Orchard faculty began the school year with schoolwide Responsive Classroom training, a student-centered approach to teaching that connects social and emotional learning with academic growth while helping create classroom environments that feel safe, welcoming, and engaging for students. Orchard has used Responsive Classroom practices for decades, and the training gave faculty an opportunity to strengthen that shared foundation and continue building a strong sense of community and belonging across campus.

That focus on professional growth continued last fall during the ISACS Conference in Indianapolis. As an ISACS-accredited school, Orchard followed the association’s recommendation to dedicate two full days for faculty and staff to engage in learning and collaboration. Orchard colleagues attended and led sessions, supported conference check-in, connected with peers from fellow ISACS schools, and welcomed visiting educators to campus for tours ahead of the conference. We also loved seeing Orchard parents and Golden Hour Books owners Sara and Max onsite handling book sales and author signings throughout the event.

Thank you to ISACS for the continued partnership in teaching and learning, and for bringing so many educators together here in Indianapolis. To continue supporting Orchard teachers, faculty, staff, and student experiences, visit orchard.org/give!