Atlantic City Public Schools transformed its Professional Development Day and Spring Convocation on Friday, March 27, 2026, into an experience modeled after a first-class staff convention—complete with interactive workshops, team-building activities, and a renewed focus on staff wellness.
Staff members from across the district began arriving at Atlantic City High School before 9 a.m., filling the parking lot early as excitement built for the day ahead. Those entering through the front doors were welcomed by food trucks outside and a vibrant blue-and-white balloon display behind oversized letters spelling out ACBOE.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small said the district intentionally elevated this year’s convocation experience following feedback and reflection from previous events.
“Each year, we come together and ask how we can better support our staff—not just professionally, but personally,” Small said. “This year, the vision was clear: create an environment where our educators feel valued, energized and inspired.”
Small emphasized that the success of the convocation—and the district as a whole—comes down to collaboration.
“In a school district, we cannot do it alone. Good things happen because we work as a team,” she said. “There is no ‘I’ in team, and our staff shows up every day committed to doing the work together.”
Workshops throughout the day centered on self-care and connection, giving staff members an opportunity to share their skills, hobbies and interests with colleagues in a relaxed and engaging setting.
“Our goal was to remind staff that taking care of themselves is just as important as taking care of our students,” Small said. “When our educators are supported, our entire school community benefits.”
Sessions included:
• Yoga Flow
• Paint & Chill
• Movie & Chill
• Top It Off: Design Your Own Hat
• A ‘90s Edition photo shoot
• Robotics & STEM
• Chef Ali’s Cookoff, an Empanada making contest
• Crochet
• Massage tables
• Pickleball
• Cricket
• Design Your Own Bag
• Bingo
• Henna
• Spades Tournament
• Cozine Canine
• Sound Bath
• Esports
• Creative Photography
• E-Bike Giveaway
• Hip-Hop Dance Class
• Massage Tables
• Spin Class
To see a complete list of the activities, click the
link: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1774887579/acboeorg/vobjtvt6u37qgb azwyud/327Activties.pdf
Throughout the day, staff moved between timed sessions in a format reminiscent of changing classes in high school. Hallways were filled with smiles as colleagues reconnected, shared experiences and built stronger bonds across schools.
For lunch, staff could purchase items from food trucks and were treating to a complimentary catered meal. Later, everyone gathered in the gymnasium for a district-wide assembly, where outstanding staff members were recognized during the annual awards presentation. Although the each school selects a Teacher of the Year and Educational Services Professional of the Year, a district-wide Teacher of the Year and ESP of the year are also recognized.
The district also recognized:
• Director of the Year
• Principal of the Year
• Vice Principal of the Year
• Exemplary Teacher of the Year
• Exemplary ESP of the Year
• Hidden Gem Awards
• Support Staff Awards
• District Maintenance Staff Member of the Year
• Custodian of the Year
• Parent Resource Center Staff
• Safety/Truancy Officer Award
• School Secretary of the Year
• Administration Staff Awards
To see a complete list of award winners, click the
link: https://canva.link/1ki6xppogxqevlu
“This is about celebrating the people who make Atlantic City Public Schools special,” Small said. “Our educators pour so much into our students every day, and this is one way we pour back into them.”
Dr. Small thanked board member Donnell Holland for assisting to distribute the awards. She also thanked all of the organizing committee, activity presenters and the entire team for making the day a success.
