SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

A Culture of Educational Excellence!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Holiday Greetings

At this time of year, it is a time to reflect, replenish and reconnect with family and friends while looking ahead.

As we celebrate this Holiday Season and the close of 2011, let us do so in the spirit of gratitude to the many volunteers, families, teachers, staff and administrators for the difference they make in the lives of children.

While there remains much work to do, we are making substantial progress on many fronts. It is up to each of us to work together on behalf of today's children and those for generations to come.

Thank you for your many contributions to our effort -- and so to all -- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Monday, December 5, 2011

Ray Allen - A Superstar On and Off the Court

It's not every day that an NBA player shows up unexpectedly at one of our schools to share an encouraging message with students. But that is exactly what happened last Friday when Ray Allen of The Celtics visited Glickman School.

Allen spoke with students about the importance of being a friend to others, helping friends when they are going through a difficult time, and not giving up when faced with challenges.

The unexpected visit was timed perfectly with Friday's Extreme Home Makeover program show, which focused on an anti-bullying message.

As I understand it, Ray Allen made the personal decision to visit Glickman School based on a friendship he has struck up with one of the students there, Charles Walker-Hoover.

I think it is admirable that Ray Allen has used his celebrity for such important causes and I am grateful that our students and teachers at Glickman were fortunate enough to be the beneficiaries.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

SPS hat-trick leads to Sensational Superbowl!

As a former high school football player turned Superintendent of Schools, you best believe I am in my glory as three of our Springfield Public Schools football teams have landed themselves in the 2011 Superbowl! Congratulations to the football teams at the High School of Commerce, Putnam High School, and Central High School for making the Western Massachusetts Playoffs. Regardless of what occurs on those fields this Saturday, Springfield Public Schools is already a winner!

My wish for each and every player, coach, principal, parent, fan and supporter is that Saturday’s games bring excitement, spawn pride, and generate a renewed sense of school spirit. We’ll watch with bated breath as our students all do their best and we expect great things.

To you athletes, I say: Play hard, Be fair and Stay safe!

Division 1
Central High School vs. Longmeadow High School
Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011
1:30 p.m.
Gillette Stadium
One Patriot Place
Foxborough, MA

Division II

High School of Commerce vs. Roger L. Putnam Vocational-Technical High School
Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011
12:30 p.m.
Westfield State University
l577 Western Avenue
Westfield, MA

Just as important as the upcoming football games is the recognition that other SPS sports team recently received for Good Sportsmanship! The Western Massachusetts Soccer Officials Association recognized Commerce Girls and Sci-Tech/Renaissance Boys teams.

Also, both the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association and the Western Massachusetts Field Hockey officials association recognized Central Girls!

It’s great to have talent on the field or court. However, it’s the values and morals that players exhibit, which ultimately define who they are as a team and as individuals.

I could not be prouder.