Schools supported...

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!

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."

A new drummer can energize an old beat

This week, students at five schools had the opportunity to hear real stories of success, hope, and most importantly, the importance of staying in school and giving 100 percent every day.

Guest speakers were US Marshal John Gibbons and ESPN reporters Jay Harris and Sage Steele. Gibbons visited the High School of Commerce, SAFE High School and Putnam while Harris and Sage spoke with students at Kennedy and Renaissance.

Each presentation was a result of the individual desire of the speakers to address Springfield Public School students with a personal, important message that would help us advance towards our vision for educational excellence. They reached out to us. We are grateful that they took the time to come and visit with our children.

Every day, our students hear about the importance of making the most of their education. But sometimes, hearing the same message from the same messengers can become a little monotonous. That’s why school visits like the ones we had this week from our esteemed guests are so powerful.

Certainly, Gibbons, Harris and Sage join a long list of honorable guests who have shared their stories and inspirational messages with our students. We are grateful to all of them and hope to continue to have many more.

The Springfield Renaissance School among the nation’s best

Let’s hear it for The Springfield Renaissance School! The Magnet Schools of America (MSA) organization has honored the school as one of the top magnet schools in the United States. The MSA will bestow its highest merit award, “The School of Excellence Award” upon Principal Dr. Stephen Mahoney during a national conference taking place in Indianapolis next week. The School of Excellence Award is based on a school’s commitment to high academic standards, curriculum innovation, successful diversity efforts, and the consistent delivery of high quality education to students.

Please join me in congratulating the entire student body, staff and principal of The Springfield Renaissance School for this prestigious recognition.

Students, teachers represent what’s best about school

Without doubt, the absolute best part of my job is getting into schools to see our teachers and students in action. It motivates and inspires me to peek into a classroom and see hands in the air, backs straight, and eyes glued on the teacher. That’s exactly what I found when I walked into the third grade classroom of Mrs. Robin Fowlkes at Freedman Elementary School recently. It was clear to see that an atmosphere of mutual respect permeated the classroom, and indeed the school. Mrs. Fowlkes’ students were engaged and eagerly showed off their knowledge about the works of Charles Dickens. It was the same level of engagement, respect and energy in Ms. Laura Rita’s third grade math class. It was a proud moment for me, the teachers, the principal, and most importantly the students. As we approach the last leg of this school year, I want to encourage all of the teachers to keep up their levels of enthusiasm for your students. They are like sponges, taking it all in.