Medway & Millis October 2018

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Page 8 Medway & Millis Local Town Pages www.localtownpages.com October 2018 MCDONALD continued from page 7 our school, and that this is a place they see themselves, and another really important job is to recognize the great work educators are doing and to celebrate that great work and help them grow in their professional growth trajectory.” Most importantly, says McGovern, her job “is to be a champion of little people. I’ve always been drawn to this age. It’s where my heart is. We have the youngest kids in this district, and they better leave here loving school. You are working with the youngest of students, who come in not knowing how to hold a pencil, or read numbers or letters, who learn how to be a kind friend and leave a different person. It truly takes a very talented teacher to work at this grade level.” John Murray, Principal, Medway High School New Medway High School Principal Murray grew up in Hyde Park, attending Boston Latin High School. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher pretty early on,” says the married father of two and Walpole resident, who, as a firstgeneration college student, completed his degree in History and Education at Bridgewater State College. After college, he got a student teaching position in Brockton. “I loved it,” says Murray. “It was a huge school – 4,500 students. I really loved teaching kids who needed doors opened to them, who looked for role models and some sort of mentorship.” His student teaching position led to a job where he’d take on after school projects, provide MCAS support at night, act as an advisor to clubs and oversee work programs for kids. “Finding multiple opportunities to help kids was where my passion lay,” says Murray, who quickly pursued and got his masters and then leadership certificate, also from Bridgewater. Although he had anticipated staying at Bridgewater, Murray encountered an opportunity to become Assistant Principal in Dedham, where he served for seven years, later becoming Associate Principal at Lexington High School. “I have been able to see a wide spectrum of experiences,” says Murray. “Every kid has needs, it doesn’t matter where you grow up. Kids will show you on the surface what they want you to know, but if you dig, they will show you what you need to know.” Murray says that as a school, “It’s our responsibility to make sure we recalibrate what the definition of success is for students. It isn’t necessarily taking as many AP’s as possible, or going to the top-brand schools. It’s (working) with adults and parents to find ways to create a path toward your own passion and goals.” In Medway, says Murray, he sees opportunity for everyone. “I’m trying to create a community of learners for our students, but also for our adults. We’re all in this together,” says Murray, who’s hoping to build relationships. “I think it starts with building trust and showing that you care about one another – that our teachers are building relationships with students to know that this is a safe place to be a learner. And so the first couple of weeks have been really about building those relationships, before diving into the curriculum. If you start that base of relationship and really care, kids will open up to the education you’re providing.” Students, for example, may not like science, but if they like the teacher and know the teacher cares about them, they will work harder. Rather than shut down, Murray hopes to foster teacherstudent relationships that make students feel valued. In Lexington, Murray noticed a large amount of stress among students, and he took an initiative of “positivity and happiness, finding ways to take the temperature down for kids and building spirit.” He played music in hallways on certain days and incorporated a “flex block” during the day for all students, so that they could design and get the support they needed. “The tactic was to build it in for everyone,” says Murray. “No one’s missing out on anything, it’s not recess, it’s not break time. It’s an opportunity to get what you need.” As an administrator, says Murray, he sees student voice as important as core values. “Ask for student feedback on what they want and need,” says Murray. “Tailor education to where they are.” 508-376-0800 Milliston Common, Millis MA Open: Tue 9-6, Wed 9-7, Thur 9-6, Fri 9-5, Sat 9-4
October 2018 Medway & Millis Local Town Pages www.localtownpages.com Page 9 Jim Kane, Director of Facilities, Medway Public Schools Jim Kane, a South Boston native, comes to Medway Public Schools from the town of Natick, where he managed both town and school properties. The married father of three, who lives in Franklin, has a BA in Construction Management from Wentworth and a MS in Facilities Management from Mass Maritime Academy. Prior to his position in Natick for three years, he worked as a facilities director with Rogerson Communities in Boston for eight years. Kane’s work, he says, is often “off the radar,” and that’s fine with him. “We’re kind of like a silent department,” he says, providing a safe, clean and well-maintained environment that conducive to kids having the best experience. “People usually don’t think of us until there’s something not working.” “As facilities management, we’re in charge of the daily operations of all the physical plants, cleaning, heating, cooling, energy conservation measures, school facility rentals,” says Kane. “I’m in charge of the cleaning, routine repair, utilities expenses and usage in the four schools – 635,000 square feet.” Kane says he’s still assessing the needs of the facilities, that have a mix of renovations and additions, as well as getting to know his staff of twelve. Kane says that in coming to this position, “I wasn’t trying to leave Natick as much as I was trying to come to Medway. The main driver was I had an opportunity to work in a smaller town, where I believe a lot of my experience and education can really impact a positive change, have a positive effect. The town is exciting to work for, expanding and growing for the better, and attracting younger families. It really drew me in. I’m very interested to work in a place I can make a change, and I like the idea of working closer to home.” Kane was impressed with Medway’s team and support structure, and, he says, his challenge is to do more on a budget. “My goal is to make sure students, visitors and parents that come to school each and every day have a safe, welcoming atmosphere to be able to achieve and learn in this district – a setting where parents feel proud to be able to send their kids. My challenge, every day, is to always put students first, and to help strengthen and develop my staff and my team, to make sure everything is working together and make sure the staff feels well supported with proper equipment, tools and knowledge to do the job effectively.” Communication is a key component of this, says Kane, who hopes to foster relationships with other town officials to keep everything running smoothly. He also encourages feedback about The market may be uncertain. Accessing your money and earning a great rate shouldn’t be. 17-Month Special CD 2.15 % APY * 1.85 Minimum balance to open is $1,000.** opportunities to improve the facilities, and you can reach out at jimkane@medwayschools.org if you see something that needs addressing. “I’m passionate about what I do, and it’s hard work, sometimes long days, sometimes weekends, but when you love what you do, you feel fortunate to be able to come to work. It’s fun. You enjoy doing it.” High Yield Money Market Account % APY *** On balances of $100,000 or more.**** “We’ll Make it a Pleasure Whether it’s Vacation or Business Travel!” Business, Honeymooners, Leisure Travel and Group Planning Satisfying Customers for Over 30 Years 24 Hr. Service Worldwide Action Travel Millis 709 Main St. (508) 376-2622 Website: http://ma.uniglobeactiontravel.com *ANNUAL PERCENTAGE YIELD (APY): The APY is accurate as of 09/17/2018. **Minimum balance to open is $1,000. Minimum daily balance to earn APY is $.01. Interest is compounded and posted monthly. A penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal. No IRAs. Withdrawals may reduce earnings. This offer may change at any time. ***ANNUAL PERCENTAGE YIELD (APY): The APY is accurate as of 09/17/2018. This offer applies to personal/consumer accounts depositing new money (outside funds) into the High Yield Money Market. The minimum balance to open the account is $25. ****The minimum balance to earn the stated 1.85% APY is $100,000. Balances $10,000 – $99,999.99 earn 1.50% APY. Balances less than $10,000 earn .25% APY. This offer is subject to change at any time. A $5 monthly maintenance fee will be assessed on balances less than $5,000. Federal regulations limit the number of electronic and check transactions you can make with your Money Market account to six transfers or withdrawals per monthly statement cycle. If you exceed these limits, a $5.00 excess activity fee may be assessed on each item after six. Fees could reduce the earnings on the account. This rate may change at any time. Attention Homeowners Add some CoLor to your Home! We know colors! Interior & Exterior Painting Kitchen Cabinets Refinished Powerwash 2 Old Fuddy Duddy Painters with 30+ years experience SAVING MARRIAGES ONE HOME AT A TIME! Call for an Estimate • BILL 508-868-5226 11 Central Street, Norwood, MA 02062 • 781-762-1800 • www.norwoodbank.com Member FDIC. Member SIF.
Page 1 and 2: localtownpages Medway & Millis Post
Page 3 and 4: October 2018 Medway & Millis Local
Page 7: October 2018 Medway & Millis Local
Page 15 and 16: A10 MILFORD DAILY NEWS Tuesday, Jul

Medway & Millis October 2018

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?