Monday, November 22, 2010
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.
Monday, November 8, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, November 1, 2010
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.
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.
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