Rye City School District teachers spent the summer in workshops on social-emotional learning, artificial intelligence, literacy and co-teaching before classes resume Sept. 8.

The centerpiece was a two-day Social Emotional Learning Institute titled "The SEL Connection: Cultivating a Culture of Belonging," which brought educators together to work on strategies for inclusive, student-centered classrooms. The board approved a contract with Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility, a New York-based organization, to deliver the keynote and facilitate workshops. That agreement passed 7-0 at the June 16 board meeting, with at least one day of the institute held June 29.

At its May 19 meeting, the board also unanimously approved a separate agreement with Minu Thomas of Cognitive Behavioral Consultants to lead additional professional development sessions at the summer institute.

Beyond the SEL focus, the district said educators participated in sessions on instructional technology and AI, mathematics, curriculum development, classroom engagement and co-teaching practices. Sessions were structured so teachers could collaborate across grade levels and disciplines.

The programming falls under "The Rye Commitment" framework, which Superintendent Patricia Murray and Assistant Superintendent Lauren Santabarbara have used to guide instructional priorities across the district's five schools: Rye High School, Rye Middle School, Milton, Midland and Osborn.

The investment continues into the school year. The board approved a contract with Advancing Literacy for a leadership conference series at its June 16 meeting, also by a 7-0 vote.

The next Board of Education meeting had been tentatively set for Aug. 28, though board president Jane Anderson noted at the July 16 meeting that the date would be revised. Families can check the district's BoardDocs page for the confirmed schedule.