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!
Friday, December 23, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Monday, November 21, 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Reading Success is a Goal Shared by Many
The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading is a long-term effort by foundations to improve third grade reading proficiency for all students and close the gap in reading achievement that separates many low-income students from their more affluent peers. This campaign strives to make grade-level reading proficiency by the end of third grade a national priority.
On Nov. 8, we heard from Ralph Smith, Managing Director for the Campaign for Grade Level Reading and Senior Vice President at the Annie E. Casey Foundation. He emphasized the key levers to improved student reading achievement as: kindergarten readiness, improved student attendance and summer learning opportunities.
Locally, there is much work underway through the "Read! Reading Success by 4th Grade," which has been spearheaded by the Davis Foundation and a host of collaborative partnerships. There are also a number of entities who have come together in working with the district to help address reading achievement through a series of strategies.
Some examples include: Hasbro Games’ summer learning initiative; WGBY’s summer reading program in five elementary schools; Regional Employment Board administration of a program at two Springfield Housing Authority sites funded by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation (Talk/Read/Succeed which is a placed-based program for children and families with a goal of children’s reading proficiency, parent education partnership and work force development programming); Ready! for Kindergarten (parenting education); Springfield Parent Academy; Springfield museums and libraries; the Springfield Education Association and SPS Collaboration for Change; and high quality early education care to help leverage school readiness across the city.
While there are plenty of challenges and opportunities, there is no shortage of commitment and a willingness to work together on the part of many, to help accelerate reading achievement for all students in Springfield.
On Nov. 8, we heard from Ralph Smith, Managing Director for the Campaign for Grade Level Reading and Senior Vice President at the Annie E. Casey Foundation. He emphasized the key levers to improved student reading achievement as: kindergarten readiness, improved student attendance and summer learning opportunities.
Locally, there is much work underway through the "Read! Reading Success by 4th Grade," which has been spearheaded by the Davis Foundation and a host of collaborative partnerships. There are also a number of entities who have come together in working with the district to help address reading achievement through a series of strategies.
Some examples include: Hasbro Games’ summer learning initiative; WGBY’s summer reading program in five elementary schools; Regional Employment Board administration of a program at two Springfield Housing Authority sites funded by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation (Talk/Read/Succeed which is a placed-based program for children and families with a goal of children’s reading proficiency, parent education partnership and work force development programming); Ready! for Kindergarten (parenting education); Springfield Parent Academy; Springfield museums and libraries; the Springfield Education Association and SPS Collaboration for Change; and high quality early education care to help leverage school readiness across the city.
While there are plenty of challenges and opportunities, there is no shortage of commitment and a willingness to work together on the part of many, to help accelerate reading achievement for all students in Springfield.
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