A new drummer can energize an old beat

This week, students at five schools had the opportunity to hear real stories of success, hope, and most importantly, the importance of staying in school and giving 100 percent every day.

Guest speakers were US Marshal John Gibbons and ESPN reporters Jay Harris and Sage Steele. Gibbons visited the High School of Commerce, SAFE High School and Putnam while Harris and Sage spoke with students at Kennedy and Renaissance.

Each presentation was a result of the individual desire of the speakers to address Springfield Public School students with a personal, important message that would help us advance towards our vision for educational excellence. They reached out to us. We are grateful that they took the time to come and visit with our children.

Every day, our students hear about the importance of making the most of their education. But sometimes, hearing the same message from the same messengers can become a little monotonous. That’s why school visits like the ones we had this week from our esteemed guests are so powerful.

Certainly, Gibbons, Harris and Sage join a long list of honorable guests who have shared their stories and inspirational messages with our students. We are grateful to all of them and hope to continue to have many more.

The Springfield Renaissance School among the nation’s best

Let’s hear it for The Springfield Renaissance School! The Magnet Schools of America (MSA) organization has honored the school as one of the top magnet schools in the United States. The MSA will bestow its highest merit award, “The School of Excellence Award” upon Principal Dr. Stephen Mahoney during a national conference taking place in Indianapolis next week. The School of Excellence Award is based on a school’s commitment to high academic standards, curriculum innovation, successful diversity efforts, and the consistent delivery of high quality education to students.

Please join me in congratulating the entire student body, staff and principal of The Springfield Renaissance School for this prestigious recognition.