None other than Bill Cosby himself showed up recently at Harris School to help spread laughter and gain some insight as to how the tornadoes on June 1st impacted our school district, school leaders and children. The visit was a whirlwind with Dr. Cosby starting off in the principal’s office and finishing with a quick stop in a kindergarten room. Dr. Cosby preferred his visit to be low key, choosing to spend his time talking with teachers and students as opposed to filling media requests for interviews. His visit typifies the kind of quiet and unsolicited support our school district has received over the past three weeks – from celebrities like Bill Cosby and businesses to caring adults taking up collections and students helping other students. Schools closed this week and despite the challenges of the year (we lost seven instructional days due to snow, ice and tornadoes) we end the year filled with optimism, a hopeful spirit and a clear sense of direction. I wish everyone a joy-filled summer and look forward to opening the school year in August.
And again, thanks to everyone for your support!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Springfield’s spirit triumphs adversity
It was one week ago today that the tornado devastated our city, leaving in its path massive damage and destruction. The repair of Springfield Public Schools has remained a priority for state officials. Governor Deval Patrick, State Treasurer Steve Grossman and the Massachusetts School Building Authority have all made meaningful visits to our most damaged schools. The continued commitment of these offices will be instrumental in the revitalization of our schools.
There is no escaping the devastation, but what stands out to me is the sense of community and spirit of helpfulness that has become commonplace throughout our school district and our City.
Like rays of sunlight poking through the clouds, the community’s resolve shines bright.
It was pure teamwork, for example, that allowed for the smooth absorption of two schools into three this week after the storm left Dryden and Brookings schools uninhabitable. The School District was pleased to partner with Sodexo Food Services in the hours and days following the storm to help feed displaced families. There are hundreds of stories of Springfield neighbor helping Springfield neighbor over the past week that will never be told yet they say so much about our community. As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., wrote, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
There is no escaping the devastation, but what stands out to me is the sense of community and spirit of helpfulness that has become commonplace throughout our school district and our City.
Like rays of sunlight poking through the clouds, the community’s resolve shines bright.
It was pure teamwork, for example, that allowed for the smooth absorption of two schools into three this week after the storm left Dryden and Brookings schools uninhabitable. The School District was pleased to partner with Sodexo Food Services in the hours and days following the storm to help feed displaced families. There are hundreds of stories of Springfield neighbor helping Springfield neighbor over the past week that will never be told yet they say so much about our community. As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., wrote, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
