Celebration #1: Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Visits Coolidge!
On Wednesday, March 12, Coolidge was honored to host a visit from the Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan. As he arrived at Coolidge, he participated in a "Meet and Greet" with two Coolidge student representatives and various district and community leaders. He then visited an 8th grade math class taught by Chris Friberg, where he engaged with students as they worked to complete a challenging math problem. He then moved to the library where he was greeted by district teachers, administrators, community members, parents, school committee members, and students. He then participated in a roundtable discussion, including special visitors such as the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Mitchell Chester, Commissioner of Early Education and Care (and Reading resident) Tom Weber, and MTA President Paul Toner. ELA teacher Laura Warren represented Coolidge at the round table, while Chris Friberg was asked some questions about math from her seat in the audience. Secretary Duncan wanted to learn about Reading's educational initiatives as well as the challenges and successes we are facing in implementing those initiatives. The initiatives discussed included the implementation of the new math and literacy curriculum frameworks as well as how we need to teach students perseverance and "grit". He commended Reading on being a place where collaboration and teamwork are the norm, where teachers are encouraged to try new things, and where students are supported in their learning.
Just as the district and community is extremely honored to have been hosting a visit from the Secretary of Education, Coolidge is also proud to have been chosen by the Secretary as the school to be visited. An important takeaway for the entire school population has been a feeling of pride, as the Secretary's choice to visit Coolidge and Reading reflects on all of the excellent work that is being done by our educators and students. We are all part of a school and a district that is considered at the forefront of education in a time when education is going through some rich and important changes. As Secretary Duncan said in his parting words, it is sometimes difficult to be pioneers at the front of change. Yet he thanked our district for being in that position, as it not only benefits our own student population, but it will benefit many students in many communities as they learn from our successes and challenges.
Celebration #2: Coolidge Science Olympiad Team Wins the State Tournament!
If I felt like a proud parent of 30 at the Science Olympiad Awards Ceremony (even though I wasn't actually the real parent of any of them!), I can only imagine how proud the actual parents of the students felt as the Coolidge team was announced as the MA Olympiad Champs! Head Coach Karawan Meade was also extremely proud, and should feel that way of her own success as well. Of the 23 events, Coolidge regulars earned eight 1st place awards, five 2nd place awards, and three 3rd place awards. In addition, the alternate team won six 1st place awards, four 2nd place awards, and seven 3rd place awards.
As many of you know, being part of the Science Olympiad Team takes extreme time and dedication. Early in the year, students commit to their team and their events. Throughout the year, they work hard and have fun. By putting in such time, effort, and passion, they rose to the top of what was the most well-attended MA Science Olympiad State Tournament in history! The team requires tremendous support from coaches and parents. Special thanks to parents Liz Rogers and Sergio Rotstein, who have organized the parent board in support of the team. And thank you to the many coaches who help to guide and structure the learning, building, and modeling along the way.
The hard work and dedication continues as the team now focuses its attention on the 30th Annual National Olympiad Tournament, which will be held on May 16 & 17 at the University of Central Florida in Orlando!
Of special note, the team missed John McCarthy at this year's state tournament, who was home with an ailing back. It was the first state tournament he missed in 22 years! We look forward to having him back next year. The students wrapped their first place trophy in a t-shirt that read "McCarthy Strong", which was extremely touching!
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