As a military man who served 22 years with the United States Air Force, I am always appreciative of any opportunity to recognize those who have served our country well. I am particularly pleased to have joined in the recognition of one of our very own school principals this week as we, as a City, took pause to recognize the 69th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.
On Dec. 7, 2010, the City of Springfield awarded Margaret C. Ells School Principal Dr. Jose Irizarry the 2010 Daniel O’Sullivan Award. The late Daniel P. O’Sullivan was a Vietnam veteran and former director of the city’s Code Enforcement Department. The award named in his honor recognizes veterans employed by the City of Springfield who demonstrate courtesy and fairness towards their employees and colleagues.
Dr. Irizarry has served in the US Army Reserves for nearly 30 years and is currently a First Sergeant with Detachment 1 3,200 Strategic Intelligence Group at Fort Devens, Massachusetts which is part of the New England Reserve Intelligent Support Center. He served during Operation Iraqi Freedom as an advisor to the Iraqi army and has earned multiple military awards, including a Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and others. I was especially moved during his acceptance speech when he spoke of the boxes and boxes of stuffed animals Ells students had collected and sent overseas as gifts to youngsters less fortunate than they.
I am very proud to count Dr. Irizarry among those City of Springfield employees whose selfless contributions protect the very freedom we as Americans enjoy every day.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
As we take a few days off to enjoy family, food and friends, I would like say Happy Thanksgiving to all who comprise the Springfield Public Schools. Our family is huge, nearly 30,000 of us – from students and teachers to custodians and administrators. We each have an important place at the table and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Superintendent of this school district. I wish each and every one of you a happy and joyous holiday.
Monday, November 8, 2010
An unforgettable act of bravery
High School of Science and Technology student Frederick Rivera was due all the publicity he received in the local media recently when the School Committee honored him for bravery.
Frederick was being honored for his actions in coming to the aid of a fellow student recently when he noticed that student was sorely outnumbered (seven to one) in a fight that had erupted before school.
It is easy for a student, and even adults, to utter the right words, participate in the politically correct forums and even speak the popular language of the day. But the true measure of a person is weighed by their actions. Frederick Rivera acted in a way that was heroic, selfless, and admirable. It was heartwarming to see the pride that was so evident in the faces of Frederick’s family as Mayor Sarno presented him with a plaque at the School Committee meeting last week. The honor belongs to not only to Frederick but also to his family because as the mayor stated “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” But Frederick’s bravery has made an impression on more than elected officials and relatives. During the School Committee meeting, Student Representative Daniella Brown, also a student at Sci Tech, said Frederick’s actions have resonated throughout the school and have helped build a more positive school culture.
As I watched and read the news reports that followed the School Committee ceremony in Frederick’s honor, I was filled with pride. More than that, his actions should give us all pause to ask ourselves what would have done.
Frederick was being honored for his actions in coming to the aid of a fellow student recently when he noticed that student was sorely outnumbered (seven to one) in a fight that had erupted before school.
It is easy for a student, and even adults, to utter the right words, participate in the politically correct forums and even speak the popular language of the day. But the true measure of a person is weighed by their actions. Frederick Rivera acted in a way that was heroic, selfless, and admirable. It was heartwarming to see the pride that was so evident in the faces of Frederick’s family as Mayor Sarno presented him with a plaque at the School Committee meeting last week. The honor belongs to not only to Frederick but also to his family because as the mayor stated “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” But Frederick’s bravery has made an impression on more than elected officials and relatives. During the School Committee meeting, Student Representative Daniella Brown, also a student at Sci Tech, said Frederick’s actions have resonated throughout the school and have helped build a more positive school culture.
As I watched and read the news reports that followed the School Committee ceremony in Frederick’s honor, I was filled with pride. More than that, his actions should give us all pause to ask ourselves what would have done.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Students shine when adults give their time
It's always rewarding, heartwarming and inspiring any time I am with students. Last week was no exception as I visited DeBerry and Bowles schools for special events taking place there. As always, it was all about the children - but the events were made possible due to the generous engagement of adults. Justice Roderick Ireland delivered heartfelt, simple yet poignant messages of perseverance and self-confidence when he read a story to DeBerry students as part of the Links to Libraries celebrity readers program.
At Bowles, Freedom Credit Union pledged to start a bank account - with $5 in it - for every Bowles student. The program has been linked to strong academic performance and good character; and the lessons that this new partnership will teach Bowles students about financial literacy are priceless. I'm grateful to Mayor Sarno and Congressman Neal for joining us for the launch of the exciting program at Bowles.
During a recent visit to Boland School, I quickly noticed that student progress there is visible to anyone who enters that building. The educators there have done a fantastic job of posting important information such as attendance and proficiency rates up on the walls for all to see - without identifying students - of course. It's a small exercise, but a giant leap toward school improvement - and one that all schools within our district have initiated.
At all three schools, the engagement of teachers was palpable as energy filled the rooms and the smiling faces of students greeted me around every corner.
At Bowles, Freedom Credit Union pledged to start a bank account - with $5 in it - for every Bowles student. The program has been linked to strong academic performance and good character; and the lessons that this new partnership will teach Bowles students about financial literacy are priceless. I'm grateful to Mayor Sarno and Congressman Neal for joining us for the launch of the exciting program at Bowles.
During a recent visit to Boland School, I quickly noticed that student progress there is visible to anyone who enters that building. The educators there have done a fantastic job of posting important information such as attendance and proficiency rates up on the walls for all to see - without identifying students - of course. It's a small exercise, but a giant leap toward school improvement - and one that all schools within our district have initiated.
At all three schools, the engagement of teachers was palpable as energy filled the rooms and the smiling faces of students greeted me around every corner.
Monday, October 25, 2010
SPS wins International Award for Budget Excellence
I was delighted to learn recently that The Association of School Business Officials International awarded Springfield Public Schools the Meritorious Budget Award for excellence in the preparation and presentation of its 2010-2011 annual budget. This is the first time Springfield Public Schools has received such an award and I am extremely proud of our Budget and Finance Department, which is led by acting Chief Financial Officer T.J. Plante.
I know that budget documents aren’t always “exciting” documents to read, but I urge you to take a glance at the SPS 2010-2011. It has been online since May, following the School Committee’s adoption of it... If you haven’t yet had a chance to read through it, it is accessible at www.sps.springfield.ma.us/AboutOurDistrict.asp.
The budget overcomes a $16 million deficit yet protects classroom funding and class size. In addition, it emphasizes the school district’s mission to improve student achievement; and increases student allotment to schools from $75 to $85 per student. The 2010-2011 budget also includes funding that reinstates middle school sports, enhances reading enrichment programs as well as sustains all costs related to student safety and security.
Again, I offer very proud congratulations to the men and women of the SPS Budget and Finance Department. Your hard work has allowed all of us to shine!
I know that budget documents aren’t always “exciting” documents to read, but I urge you to take a glance at the SPS 2010-2011. It has been online since May, following the School Committee’s adoption of it... If you haven’t yet had a chance to read through it, it is accessible at www.sps.springfield.ma.us/AboutOurDistrict.asp.
The budget overcomes a $16 million deficit yet protects classroom funding and class size. In addition, it emphasizes the school district’s mission to improve student achievement; and increases student allotment to schools from $75 to $85 per student. The 2010-2011 budget also includes funding that reinstates middle school sports, enhances reading enrichment programs as well as sustains all costs related to student safety and security.
Again, I offer very proud congratulations to the men and women of the SPS Budget and Finance Department. Your hard work has allowed all of us to shine!
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