THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 9, 2024 Page 11 ~ Excellence in the MPS ~ Linden K-8 community participates in ‘Walk and Roll Day’ hosted by MassDOT ‘Safe Routes To School’ program Students and family members joined educators and staff from the Linden STEAM Academy K-8 school to take part in the state Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Safe Routes To School program this week. Mayor Gary Christenson, Councillors Steve Winslow (Ward 6, City Council President) and Ari Tayor (Ward 5) and School Committee Member Sharyn Rose-Zeiberg (Ward 8) joined the Linden Community to participate in the Winter Walk and Roll to School. Students, teachers and families met at Hawkridge Delta Park on Beach Street or Steve’s Corner Store on Salem Street in an eff ort to raise awareness of getting to school safely. The program works to increase safe walking and biking among elementary, middle and high school students by using a collaborative, community-focused approach. School leaders encouraged students to wear bright colors in the evening or early morning, to cross at crosswalks, to be aware of surroundings and to always look both ways before crossing. An added bonus was that the students assisted the Mayor in picking up trash along the route. Mayor and School Committee Chairperson Gary Christenson declares Feb. 5-9 National School Counseling Week in Malden In coordination with Malden Public Schools’ Director of School Counseling, Testing & Academic Support, Erin Craven, Mayor Gary Christenson offi cially proclaimed February 5-9 National School Counseling Week in Malden. Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students be successful in school and plan for their future. School counseling plays a pivotal role in fostering the development and well-being of students, transcending the traditional role of academic guidance. As educational institutions navigate the complex terrain of modern challenges, the importance of school counseling has become increasingly evident. Beyond assisting students in academic planning and course selection, counselors serve as advocates for mental health, providing invaluable support to students grappling with emotional distress, anxiety or personal struggles. School counseling also plays a pivotal role in facilitating post-secondary transitions and career exploration. More than 25 school counselors were in attendance along with Superintendent Dr. Ligia Noriega-Murphy and School Committee Vice Chairperson Jennifer Spadafora (Ward 3) as the Mayor offi cially thanked them for their important work in the district and issued a Proclamation on behalf of the City of Malden. ‘OLD MACDONALD HAD A FARM’: At the Forestdale School, Ms. Casgrain and Ms. Rock’s Kindergarten class put on a great performance of “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” for the rest of the Kindergarten students while learning about farm animals and farm life. The students really got into the performance and thinking about the animals on the farm! Also shown (in the center with stuff ed animal) is Assistant Superintendent Pam MacDonald. (Courtesy/Falcon Flyer/Forestdale School) LINDEN WALK AND ROLL: Malden students with (from left, back row) School Committee Member Sharyn Rose-Zeiberg, Councillor Ari Taylor, Mayor Gary Christenson and City Council President Steve Winslow. (Courtesy/City of Malden) NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK: Malden School Counselors with Mayor Gary Christenson (center), Director of School Counseling, Testing & Academic Support Erin Craven (left of Mayor, holding proclamation), School Committee Member Jennifer Spadafora (left of Erin Craven, and Superintendent Dr. Ligia Noriega-Murphy (far right). (Courtesy/ City of Malden) Charlie Conefrey - Malden High School Year: 2023 This award is presented to an individual who embodies the virtues of an outstanding, model athletic administrator. An individual who was recognized by their colleagues for his continued support and guidance of others in the profession. In addition, this individual is someone who encourages new individuals into the profession as an Athletic Director, as well as fosters others to continue to grow in their roles as an Athletic Administrator. Someone who fully supports the Athletic Administration professional and all that it encompasses; through his work at the league, district and state levels. We are pleased to present the 2023 Richard E. Lewis Award to Charlie Conefrey in recognition of his guidance and support as an Athletic Administrator. The Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association commends Charlie Conefrey for his outstanding contributions and invaluable service to interscholastic high school athletics.
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