Teachers at Varnado High School have busily prepared for the 2013-14 school year.

The faculty and staff at VHS recently attended four days of intensive training to prepare them to incorporate the new Common Core State Standards into their teaching.

The Common Core (CCSS) is a nationwide set of standards designed to better prepare graduating seniors for college and career by implementing literacy, critical thinking and urgency into all areas and disciplines.

VHS educators also trained in the effective use of technology in the classroom so as to increase student engagement in their content areas.

After the training on Wednesday, VHS teachers met with community members, students, local pastors and clergy, and other concerned citizens for a prayer walk around the school campus, led by Varnado’s guidance counselor, Rhonda Gunnell.

Varnado High School principal Randy Branch would like to thank the parents and community for their continued support of Varnado Junior/Senior High, adding that he and the faculty and staff at VHS are excited about the changes in education that he feels will help prepare Varnado students to succeed better, not just in school, but also in life.