Bemus Point Engages ‘The Comedy Code’ At National Comedy Center | News, Sports, Jobs
Faculty and staff of Bemus Point Central School District outside of National Comedy Center in Jamestown. Submitted photo
The Tuesday after Labor Day marked the beginning of a new school year for students and faculty of many local school districts.
One local school district started its school year on the best foot possible with a unique and exciting in-service day experience for faculty and staff meant to invigorate those in attendance at one of the region’s most popular attractions. The Bemus Point Central School District surprised the faculty and staff with an unannounced field trip to the National Comedy Center for their in-service day for ‘The Comedy-Code’ of Laughter, Learning & Love facilitated by Cindy Aronson Training. Bemus Point was the largest group and the first school district to bring its entire staff to the venue for leadership and team-building training.
“Comedy is a powerful teacher. ‘The Comedy-Code’ of Laughter, Learning & Love ignites laughter, which renews, connects, and engages us. It inspires a more profound love for our craft, our team, our audience, and our community,” Aronson said. “After the last few challenging years in education – likely the hardest in modern history – Bemus Point faculty and staff deserved a day that refreshed, refueled, and refocused them to start a new school year. When George Carlin, Johnny Carson, Lucille Ball, Richard Pryor, and more kick off your school year in-service day, you know it’s going to be a great year.”
The last two and a half years have focused on health guidelines and safety protocols, and the district leadership wanted a way to start the year off fresh. Julie Verdonik, director of student programs at Bemus Point, and Cindy Aronson, owner of Cindy Aronson Training, spent weeks collaborating to create a list of activities, especially for school district faculty and staff.
“We started the planning for this in-service day in April. We knew we wanted to do something completely different, but we weren’t sure what to do,” said Joe Reyda, Bemus Point superintendent. “Our last two opening days for faculty and staff were virtual and, quite honestly, did not have the same positive impact. We knew that we needed to do something that would re-energize everyone.”
National Comedy Center provided Bemus Point’s faculty and staff with unique experiences as they made their way through a scavenger hunt, allowing them to explore everything the Comedy Center offers.
“It was wonderful to see all of the Bemus Central School District employees enjoying the day together. They enjoyed getting to know each other, and you heard laughter throughout the Comedy Center all day,” Verdonik said. “All learned great lessons that can be incorporated into the classroom, the bus, and the athletic field. Laughter brings people together in a positive way. Humor can be motivational and helps build relationships. These are among the most important factors of a successful education. It was an excellent way to start the new school year.”
The Comedy Center trip allowed school staff to strengthen old bonds and create new ones. Team building activities purposely split everyone into groups with people outside their departments, and many attendees were grateful to meet colleagues.
“The ability to spend a full day with colleagues, some old and some new, without obligation of time or responsibility is a true gift. We work together daily and rely on each other for professional support, but many of us don’t know each other in any other capacity. To build and grow a relationship, a person needs to be willing to show emotion,” said Sonja DuBois, Bemus Point Elementary School principal. “Laughter is an emotion, and we grew as an organization of people on this day. The experience of visiting the Comedy Center together as a school community connected us all through a common factor — laughter.”
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