Recognizing and Defining Our Mission

Recently, we presented information to the School Committee on the progress of our Level 4 schools from the site visit monitoring reports prepared by School Works, an independent organization hired by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. While we still have much work to do in Springfield, the good news is the vast majority of our Level 4 schools are making satisfactory progress through the hard work of students, teachers, support staff, administrators and instructional leadership teams. In my view, the collective impact in our Level 4 schools goes beyond the boundaries of their individual schools and is worthy of recognition as a “mission moment.”

Mission moments are opportunities to share affirmations, reflections, encouragement or personal testimony about positive things happening in our school district. As superintendent, I’ve tried to include mission moments as a regular part of our senor leadership, principal and cabinet team meetings. It’s wonderful to hear staff share examples of their direct observations by capturing mission moments in their own words. Simply put, mission moments connect the district's vision, mission and core values with everyday occurrences.

As stakeholders in the school system, we all have a vested interest to take time to reflect upon and reinforce the vision, mission and values of the organization. This is particularly important in the midst of a national climate and culture of naysayers, critics and cynics.

So as we prepare to celebrate this Thanksgiving Holiday, let’s all commit to find time to give thanks to the countless number of educators who are making a difference in the lives of Springfield's students.

Best wishes to all for a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends!