Principal’s service to nation inspires students

As a military man who served 22 years with the United States Air Force, I am always appreciative of any opportunity to recognize those who have served our country well. I am particularly pleased to have joined in the recognition of one of our very own school principals this week as we, as a City, took pause to recognize the 69th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.

On Dec. 7, 2010, the City of Springfield awarded Margaret C. Ells School Principal Dr. Jose Irizarry the 2010 Daniel O’Sullivan Award. The late Daniel P. O’Sullivan was a Vietnam veteran and former director of the city’s Code Enforcement Department. The award named in his honor recognizes veterans employed by the City of Springfield who demonstrate courtesy and fairness towards their employees and colleagues.

Dr. Irizarry has served in the US Army Reserves for nearly 30 years and is currently a First Sergeant with Detachment 1 3,200 Strategic Intelligence Group at Fort Devens, Massachusetts which is part of the New England Reserve Intelligent Support Center. He served during Operation Iraqi Freedom as an advisor to the Iraqi army and has earned multiple military awards, including a Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and others. I was especially moved during his acceptance speech when he spoke of the boxes and boxes of stuffed animals Ells students had collected and sent overseas as gifts to youngsters less fortunate than they.

I am very proud to count Dr. Irizarry among those City of Springfield employees whose selfless contributions protect the very freedom we as Americans enjoy every day.

Happy Thanksgiving

As we take a few days off to enjoy family, food and friends, I would like say Happy Thanksgiving to all who comprise the Springfield Public Schools. Our family is huge, nearly 30,000 of us – from students and teachers to custodians and administrators. We each have an important place at the table and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Superintendent of this school district. I wish each and every one of you a happy and joyous holiday.

An unforgettable act of bravery

High School of Science and Technology student Frederick Rivera was due all the publicity he received in the local media recently when the School Committee honored him for bravery.

Frederick was being honored for his actions in coming to the aid of a fellow student recently when he noticed that student was sorely outnumbered (seven to one) in a fight that had erupted before school.

It is easy for a student, and even adults, to utter the right words, participate in the politically correct forums and even speak the popular language of the day. But the true measure of a person is weighed by their actions. Frederick Rivera acted in a way that was heroic, selfless, and admirable. It was heartwarming to see the pride that was so evident in the faces of Frederick’s family as Mayor Sarno presented him with a plaque at the School Committee meeting last week. The honor belongs to not only to Frederick but also to his family because as the mayor stated “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” But Frederick’s bravery has made an impression on more than elected officials and relatives. During the School Committee meeting, Student Representative Daniella Brown, also a student at Sci Tech, said Frederick’s actions have resonated throughout the school and have helped build a more positive school culture.

As I watched and read the news reports that followed the School Committee ceremony in Frederick’s honor, I was filled with pride. More than that, his actions should give us all pause to ask ourselves what would have done.

Students shine when adults give their time

It's always rewarding, heartwarming and inspiring any time I am with students. Last week was no exception as I visited DeBerry and Bowles schools for special events taking place there. As always, it was all about the children - but the events were made possible due to the generous engagement of adults. Justice Roderick Ireland delivered heartfelt, simple yet poignant messages of perseverance and self-confidence when he read a story to DeBerry students as part of the Links to Libraries celebrity readers program.

At Bowles, Freedom Credit Union pledged to start a bank account - with $5 in it - for every Bowles student. The program has been linked to strong academic performance and good character; and the lessons that this new partnership will teach Bowles students about financial literacy are priceless. I'm grateful to Mayor Sarno and Congressman Neal for joining us for the launch of the exciting program at Bowles.

During a recent visit to Boland School, I quickly noticed that student progress there is visible to anyone who enters that building. The educators there have done a fantastic job of posting important information such as attendance and proficiency rates up on the walls for all to see - without identifying students - of course. It's a small exercise, but a giant leap toward school improvement - and one that all schools within our district have initiated.

At all three schools, the engagement of teachers was palpable as energy filled the rooms and the smiling faces of students greeted me around every corner.

SPS wins International Award for Budget Excellence

I was delighted to learn recently that The Association of School Business Officials International awarded Springfield Public Schools the Meritorious Budget Award for excellence in the preparation and presentation of its 2010-2011 annual budget. This is the first time Springfield Public Schools has received such an award and I am extremely proud of our Budget and Finance Department, which is led by acting Chief Financial Officer T.J. Plante.

I know that budget documents aren’t always “exciting” documents to read, but I urge you to take a glance at the SPS 2010-2011. It has been online since May, following the School Committee’s adoption of it... If you haven’t yet had a chance to read through it, it is accessible at www.sps.springfield.ma.us/AboutOurDistrict.asp.

The budget overcomes a $16 million deficit yet protects classroom funding and class size. In addition, it emphasizes the school district’s mission to improve student achievement; and increases student allotment to schools from $75 to $85 per student. The 2010-2011 budget also includes funding that reinstates middle school sports, enhances reading enrichment programs as well as sustains all costs related to student safety and security.

Again, I offer very proud congratulations to the men and women of the SPS Budget and Finance Department. Your hard work has allowed all of us to shine!

Week's events give strength and encouragement

The occupation of the superintendency is as busy as ever and I continue to love the work. There were a few events this week that were especially meaningful to me, which I'd like to share.

Early in the week, I attended the Broad Prize announcement in New York City. The superintendents in attendance heard first hand some of the best and most promising practices currently taking place at five high performing school districts. These five districts were finalists for the Broad Prize, and as such they will share $2M in college scholarship dollars for their students. The example of Eli and Edie Broad in sharing their family's wealth to improve opportunities for urban public school students has affirmed my world view as to the possibilities of what we all can do individually and collectively in making a difference.

Later in the week, Mayor Sarno hosted a college awareness event to celebrate Springfield Promise, a college access program. During the event, several speakers, including SPS graduates now enrolled in college, shared their stories of leadership, perseverance, determination and hope with the Commerce High school students and others in attendance. My message to students was simple: dream big, set goals, work hard, stay focused and know that education does pay off.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet Ms. Susan Taylor, editor emeritus of Essence magazine and founder of the National Cares Mentoring Movement. Ms. Taylor was the keynote speaker at the 2010 Through Her Eyes Girls Conference here in Springfield. Her entire message was powerful, yet what resonated most with me was her reference to Ghandi and his need to take time for himself in order to love others well. Her candor, ability to connect with the audience, offering of hope and encouragement of the human spirit was awe inspiring.

All three events helped shape the aspirations and educational opportunities of young people. As we continue the journey of improving our school system, it is important to remember, excellence is not achieved overnight; rather it is built one day at a time!

SPS: Dressed for success

By the time I became superintendent of Springfield Public Schools, the school uniform policy was already underway thanks to the commitment and great work of the School Committee. As I walk the halls and visit the classrooms of our schools, I am always impressed by how smartly dressed our students are. Sure, there have been some learning curves along the way. Principals have had the difficult task of striking just the right balance between monitoring students for proper attire while remaining focused on what matters most – classroom teaching and learning.

Recently, the School Committee amended the uniform policy to include very specific sweatshirt and cardigan options for high school students. This change was based largely on feedback from school administrators. The School Committee’s ongoing commitment to the SPS school uniform policy is part of the reason school districts throughout the region turn to us for advise, counsel and suggestions on this issue.

Community responds to new program

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the more than 400 parents who have already signed up for - and in many cases participated in - the recently launched Springfield Parent Academy.

The journey that has taken the Parent Academy from a concept to a reality has been an amazing one, filled with stories of commitment to and belief in the mission of the academy.

The fact that more than 400 people have already signed up is proof positive that our community was ripe for this unprecedented opportunity, which we believe will help strengthen our parents, our families, our students and our community. It has been made possible only through the hard work of many community organizations and will flourish only with parental engagement.

Once again, congratulations to all involved! To learn more about the Springfield Parent Academy and its free offerings, log on to www.SpringfieldParentAcademy.com.

College Month

This month is “College Awareness Month” in the City of Springfield. Throughout the year, the district continually offers college access programs and services in partnership with area colleges and universities, as well as community organizations; but this month, Springfield joins many cities nationwide in setting October aside as a distinct time for students of all ages to learn more about continuing their education after high school. “College Awareness Month” builds on pre-existing events that take place in October, such as the administration of the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) and local college fairs, to spread the message of college awareness throughout the district. Many of our students do enroll in college after graduation, but the numbers are still too low. In June, 887 out of 1,200 seniors reported they had been accepted to college; and the Springfield Renaissance School graduated its first senior class in June with a 100 percent college acceptance rate. The national conversation and school reform efforts clearly articulate that every student graduating from high school is career and college ready. In a school district with an over 80% poverty rate, we must galvanize district and community resources to ensure that every child in SPS knows that college is a realistic option for all of our students.

Grants represent state, federal confidence in SPS

It’s a good time to be in education and a great time to be in Springfield! The district ushered in the start of school amid a flurry of high profile guests and announcements this year, beginning with US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s visit to the High School of Commerce on the first day of school. There, the secretary publicly recognized the great work we have engaged in to transform our lowest-performing schools and referred to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a national leader in school reform. But the good news did not stop there. Below is a summary of the announcements we have received this school year. I am pleased to receive this funding; however, the real progress forward depends on our effective and strategic stewardship of these resources. Nonetheless, each represents a vote of confidence around the work underway and an affirmation in our capacity to deliver reform.

· Race to the Top - $13.7 million - The grant is designed to help school districts fund innovative programs, turn around poor-performing schools and improve graduation rates. Massachusetts is one of nine states and the District of Columbia awarded Race to the Top funding and Springfield received the region’s largest award. Among innovative ways the school district is planning to spend the money include extended school days, after-school programs, and the development of a special corps of teachers assigned to low-performing schools

· Teacher Incentive Fund - 5-year, $26.8 million grant to be shared by Springfield and Boston – The grant is designed to fund teacher incentives and to help retain and attract educators in Springfield’s 10 underperforming schools. Under the grant, all staff in a school that meets certain goals will receive additional pay. The grant will also help fund targeted professional development and a new teacher evaluation system.

· Education Jobs Grant - $5.3 million – The grant is designed to help cover salaries for an estimated 100 Springfield Public Schools teachers.

· Magnet School Assistance Program - $3.8 million a year for the next three years - The grant is designed to help strengthen students' knowledge and confidence in core academic subjects and with marketable vocational skills. The following schools, and their proposed themes, will utilize the funding. Springfield Central High School (Advanced Studies and the Arts); Springfield High School of Science and Technology (STEM Academies and 21st Century Communications); Van Sickle Middle School (Middle Years International Baccalaureate Program and 21st Century Global Communications); and STEM Middle Academy (STEM and Expeditionary Learning).

· Strategic Planning Grant - $150,000 - The grant is designed to allow administrators to implement the work processes necessary to help address the priorities identified in the district’s 3-year Strategic Plan. Strategic Grant Partners, a Boston-based pro bono consulting firm, provides the grant t in partnership with the District Management Council, an organization that provides strategic insights and practical solutions to the most pressing challenges facing school system leaders nationwide.

Community engagement at its best

The Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover Foundation Anti-Bullying Back-to-School 5k Road Race/2K WALK that took place over the weekend at Forest Park is a shining example of the kind of community engagement that makes a real difference. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the foundation for your great work in organizing an event that drew together people from inside and outside of our city borders; children and adults; people of all ethnic backgrounds; from various organizations and faith-based affiliations. Just as importantly, I extend a hearty congratulations to all who took part in the event. Your involvement and engagement in issues that impact youth is critical to the mission of Springfield Public Schools; and the only way we can expect real change to take place.

Back to School… And there’s plenty to do!

I hope that you have had a fun, safe and enjoyable summer with your children! It is almost that time again for a new school year. I would like to bring you up to date on school happenings as we draw closer to the first day. Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the back to school “to do” list and also learn about some great opportunities for parents and kids!
Click Here - Back to School Message from the Superintendent

From sports and music to humanity, Tisdale inspires

Last night I attended a tribute to Wayman Tisdale at the NBA Hall of Fame (part of enshrinement week activities here in Springfield); the event featured The Wayman Tisdale Story (documentary) which gave a powerful account of his life growing up as a preacher's son in Tulsa; college basketball glory at Oklahoma University (OU); highlights of his NBA career and success as a smooth jazz star; reflections from family and friends and captured his hard fought battle with cancer.

This was one of the most moving testimonials I've ever seen.

For me Wayman's story is personal because of my ties to Oklahoma and affiliation with the University of Oklahoma as an alumnus (Wayman loved OU). He was a phenomenal basketball player whose lore is legendary. Although I've never met Wayman, his story tugged at my heart. More importantly, his legacy as a great human being and infectious smile has application in all our lives.

I also had a chance to meet the film's producer, Brian Schodorf who indicated that he hopes the film will be released soon. I'm optimistic that we will be able to share Wayman's story with some of our 26,000 students. I'd encourage all of you to look for the documentary of "The Wayman Tisdale Story." It is awe inspiring and you won't be disappointed!

P.S.: The annual NBA Hall of Fame enshrinement event is Friday evening at Springfield's Symphony Hall. I'll be there...

Board’s vote will help close achievement gap

I would like to applaud the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for their unanimous vote yesterday to adopt the Common Core Standards in English Language Arts and mathematics. The internationally-benchmarked standards is a giant leap towards education reform in the Commonwealth and a brave move that will help level the playing field for all of our students and help us close the achievement gap; while raising the bar for all of our kids. Most importantly, it will go a long way in enhancing college and career readiness.

Our district will aggressively pursue all professional development opportunities related to the new frameworks so that can ensure that our curriculum is of high quality and aligned to the new standards by the start of the 2012-2013 school year.

Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester is to be commended for creating the opportunity to improve the state’s already high standards. We are fortunate to have Commissioner Chester at the helm leading the statewide effort to advance the quality of education for all students across the Commonwealth.

Keeping summer safe means keeping tabs on kids

As of this week, it’s official: summer is here! But with summer fun comes a responsibility that all of us share – keeping our young people safe. During these summer days and months, I urge all parents to keep close tabs on the whereabouts of your children. It is an important message that Mayor Domenic Sarno, Police Commissioner William Fitchet and myself are echoing loudly and clearly to the Springfield community. This summer, you will see a series of public service announcements made by us and airing on CBS3 Springfield and also ABC40/FOX6. We hope it will be a constant reminder for parents, guardians and caring adults to regularly call or text the child in your life to find out where they are and what they are up to. Let’s make sure our youth return to school incident free and ready to learn.

Graduation: an inspiration, celebration and awesome time of year

Graduation is the most important academic event of the school year. It is also one of life’s blessings for families and friends to witness their loved one’s graduation from high school. Beyond the obvious, the Class of 2010 gives me confidence that we’re turning the corner as a District in our efforts to improve the educational opportunities for all students.

The graduation season is one of my favorite times of the school year because it affords me the chance to see firsthand the fruits of our labor. I’m always inspired by the student speeches and this year was no exception. The following is just a snippet of what most in attendance would easily describe as awe inspiring remarks from a few of our graduates:

• Central’s Jeff Barcher (co-salutatorian) athlete and scholar spoke with much conviction on the power of resiliency developed from a great education in an urban center that sets he and his classmates apart from their suburban peers. Jeff will be attending the Commonwealth Honors College at the University of Massachusetts to which he received a Presidential Scholarship;

• Commerce salutatorian, Monalisa Leung spoke passionately about the quality of education she received as an International Baccalaureate (IB) student and the influence of her parents as she prepares to attend the University of Pittsburg to study molecular biology and Chinese; and

• Putnam valedictorian, Andy Yang captured everyone’s heart in sharing his beliefs about the importance of “attitude” and the power of expectations on future success. Although Andy had a scholarship opportunity to attend an ivy league school, he chose the University of Massachusetts in Amherst

While there is still much work to be done with respect to our graduation rates, dropout issues, student proficiency and closing the achievement gap, the Class of 2010 brought home the bacon. For our five high schools across the city, this year there were 1,180 graduates and 75 percent of whom plan to attend college; they have garnered over five million dollars in scholarship awards (double the amount from the previous year). Renaissance, our Expeditionary Learning Program had 100% of their graduates accepted into colleges.

Good things are happening in Springfield and I’m honored to serve as your superintendent with great hope for our future!

SPS Strategic Plan is a living, breathing document

Pockets of success and opportunities for improvements within the school district were the topic of conversation during a meeting at the district’s Professional Development Center at Duggan yesterday, which reconvened stakeholders who had participated in the district’s strategic planning process in 2008.

We reviewed the strategic priorities that were developed during that process, which center around academic achievement, school safety, staff qualifications, parent and community partnerships, resources and funding, leadership and communication. And the school district shared data as it relates to our progress in these priorities and student achievement overall.

Representatives from the business, faith-based, community, early education, higher education, Springfield Public Schools and others, were present to share their ideas and thoughts for moving the district forward.

The meeting further evidenced the depth of community support for Springfield Public Schools. The strategic plan is a living document that I frequently jokingly say is meant to be battered and bruised. By that, I simply mean it isn’t a document that looks pretty and sits on a shelf. It is to be continually revisited and edited to reflect the promise of increased student achievement. Yesterday was another leap in that direction and I thank everyone involved for their participation.

Partnerships Inspire

On May 20th, more than 150 people came together for the first Level 4 Schools Stakeholder meeting, and the half-day meeting/planning session was time well spent. The commitment to making our schools better was clearly demonstrated by this working group, which spent the day entrenched in data and dialogue.

I have said all along that the Level 4 status of 10 of our schools presents this district with an unprecedented opportunity to access resources in a new, bold way. It is clear that the Springfield community is willing to support this work. That is a critical component because we know the school district cannot do it alone. If you’d like to know more about the purpose of the Level 4 Stakeholders meeting, please click here to read a media release on the topic.

Following that great event was another event that I found to be just as powerful and inspirational – a second session of Center for Reform of School Systems (see March 22 blog entry). The conversation was lively and rich and, as always, centered on how we can function in ways that will best serve students and parents.

Keeping up the pace...

This academic school year is quickly coming to an end. This has been a busy year, with many successes and many challenges. As the weather turns warmer and the days get longer, the temptations to begin taking it a little easier become harder to resist. Let’s all work hard to stay motivated as the last day of school inches nearer so we can finish strong. Students, teachers, parents, administrators – all of us – must stay focused and energized even in the midst of Spring Fever.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu Inspires

The City of Springfield was recently honored with a visit by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu of South Africa. Reverend Tutu was here at the invitation of American International College, where I also serve as a Trustee to the college in giving back to the community. The purpose of Reverend Tutu’s visit was in support of the inaugural launch of the Desmond Tutu Public Health Awareness Series, founded by American International College and the Medical Knowledge Institute.

The Medical Knowledge Institute is an international non-profit organization based in the Netherlands supporting healthcare prevention through education and information. They believe that basic medical education is a human right and one of their strategies is to provide access to medical training using a trainer of trainer’s model to build capacity in local healthcare workers, residents of townships and rural communities, particularly in developing countries.

Part of Reverend Tutu’s activities while in Springfield included an interactive session with secondary and college students on the campus of American International College. He also received an honorary degree at the inaugural lecture and convocation held at Symphony Hall that was open to the public. The culminating event was a reception and dinner program in his honor. His remarks throughout the day were awe inspiring, offered hope and encouragement, and affirmed the potential of the human spirit.

Both American International College and the Medical Knowledge Institute were founded on the principle of education as a tool to empowerment while sharing a commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who need help the most. For our students and the community at large to have had an opportunity to interact and engage with an inspirational leader of Reverend Tutu’s world renowned stature was powerful and certainly has the potential to transform lives.

I’m honored and proud to serve in Springfield!

April 1st is U.S. Census Day

Today is U.S. Census Day, the official day for sending completed Census Forms back. I urge everyone who hasn't turned theirs in yet, to fill it out and return it today. It's important for us here in Springfield to make sure we are all counted to help ensure that our community receives the largest possible amount of federal dollars – dollars that can help bridge a gap during these difficult economic times. We need as much financial support as we can have in order to keep upcoming cuts as far away from the classroom as possible. Something as simple as filling out your census form and sending it in can help us do that.

Governance Team Training: An Investment in Student Achievement

The Springfield Public Schools governance team is comprised of the superintendent of schools and the school committee. With four new school committee members (out of a seven-member committee) taking office this past January, it seems prudent that we would look for opportunities to build capacity and strengthen the effectiveness of our governance team in Springfield.

Thanks in part to the generosity of the Springfield Business Leaders for Education, this past weekend members of the school committee and I spent considerable time training on team building and collaboration with Don McAdams from the Center for Reform of School Systems (CRSS). The mission of CRSS is to teach school board members and superintendents how to transform their districts to deliver high student achievement through governance.

The training was conducted Friday evening through Sunday afternoon and held off-site at Cranwell Resort in Lenox, MA. While the setting was certainly tranquil and relaxing, it was also conducive to working on the tough issues of governance. We spent considerable time going deep in our understanding of governance solutions to high performance through team building, collaboration, core beliefs and commitments. More importantly, the training was action oriented in that each module ended with critical discussions and the beginnings of a work plan to make actionable the implementation of promising practices of governance policies, reform leadership, and acknowledgement of the school effect as a lever to school achievement.

This was the first installment of nine sessions to be completed over the next 18 – 24 months. As we move forward with our reform work of Springfield Public Schools, I’m confident that our work with CRSS will serve to accelerate performance, improve student achievement and help to close the achievement gap.

SPS partners with District Attorney for Bullying Prevention Seminar

I am pleased to partner with District Attorney William Bennett to host a Bullying Prevention Seminar that we think will help school administrators throughout Hampden County better understand the proposed anti-bullying legislation, which the Massachusetts Senate voted to approve on Thursday, March 12. If approved by the state House of Representatives, the bill will require public, private and charter schools to develop plans to prevent bullying by December.

Springfield Public Schools and the Office of the District Attorney will feature Dr. Robin D’Antona, a renowned expert and author on bullying, at the upcoming seminar. School districts throughout Hampden County have been invited. In addition to the legislative topic, Dr. D’Antona will speak about the many other facets of bullying, including prevention and intervention.

Springfield Public Schools is pleased to forge this community partnership with the Office of the District Attorney to address a topic that will help school districts maintain nurturing and safe environments for our children.

SPS raises more than $13,600 to help Haiti

I was overjoyed by the large sum of money raised by SPS students, faculty and staff recently to help efforts for Haiti Relief. Indeed, $13,649.35 is a figure that we should all be proud of! In fact, Richard Lee, the executive director of the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter, said it was the largest school fundraiser he’d ever seen.

Our efforts as a school district are made even more relevant and significant by the fact that children under the age of 18 make up nearly 50 percent of the 10 million population of Haiti.

Our students dug into their pockets and piggy banks to help children whom they will never see or get to know. Checks from faculty and staff members flowed in. We have demonstrated a powerful act of kindness and humanity and the best part is that we did it together, as a team!

Level 4 means working together for kids

The recent identification of 10 schools in SPS (and 35 statewide) as likely Level 4 schools by the State's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is an opportunity to move forward smartly while honoring the reform work of the past in alignment with new accountability measures and the best interests of students at the forefront of all our decisions.

The “level 4” designation provides districts with new tools, including the flexibility to change staffing and work conditions. While some unknowns regarding this legislation still remain, one thing is certain for Springfield Public Schools: we will continue to work closely with SEA to ensure that any staffing changes are transparent, equitable and with the least disruption to our system. Springfield Public Schools has no interest in following the drastic Rhode Island model of a blanket discharge of teachers and other educators.

We will take this opportunity to provide additional resources to our most needy schools and we will work to ensure we make effective changes that will have the most positive impact on our students in way that accelerates their improvement. We will work hard and we and we will sustain a rapid pace because when it comes to our kids, every minute counts.

Grant funds efforts of union, school district and community

A Springfield partnership bringing together the SEA, community leaders and the school department recently won a $1.25 million grant that will be used over the next five years to help close the achievement gap.

We were selected out of a pool of national applicants based on a plan and commitment between the teachers union and SPS to work together with a focus on professional development and parent and community involvement.

Winning this prestigious grant represents great progress in the building of trust, teamwork and mutual respect between the SEA and SPS administration.

I am looking forward with great optimism to the opportunity to build on this relationship and work together toward the single goal of advancing the academic achievement of all our students.

G.R.E.A.T work students!

Congratulations to all our students who have completed the six-week Gang Resistance Education and Training course at Balliet and Rebecca Johnson schools. These students are now leaders amongst their peers, modeling the kind of behavior that shuns gang involvement.

These students have learned skills that should be valued by all of us, such as conflict resolution and self empowerment.

The Gang Resistance and Education Training (G.R.E.A.T) program is a partnership between Springfield Public Schools and the Springfield Police Department, which is aimed at steering children away from gangs, crime, drugs and violence.

Launched last year, the G.R.E.A.T. program is founded on the mutual commitment of law enforcement and educational agencies to provide children with skills to combat the stresses that set the stage for gang involvement; provide students with accurate knowledge about gang involvement; provide students with the skills necessary to resolve conflicts peacefully; and help them understand the need to set goals.

During a graduation ceremony at Central High School at 6 p.m. today, more than 150 students who have completed this course will be awarded the course diploma they have earned.

These students have stepped up to do their part in helping to keep our schools safe. How will you step up? Here are some simple ways you can help:

1. Get involved with your child’s school. Parental involvement helps schools promote a sense of community
2. Familiarize yourself with and tell your children about Springfield Police Department’s new Text-A-Tip initiative.
3. Work to build open, on-going communication with your child.