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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 Page 7 SCHOOL | FROM PAGE 1 ondary Education Commissioner Jeff Riley. But while urging students to take all necessary steps to protect themselves from the virus, new Superintendent Erin McMahon has ushered in a new era for the town’s public school system – setting astronomically high academic goals. As she prepared for the first academic school year of her five-year contract, McMahon declared, “We are going to the Moon.” “By June 2007, the Saugus Middle/High School will be in the Top 10 percent of the state high schools as measured by both math and reading on MCAS in the 10th grade,” she said. “We will do this by making at least one year’s growth for every student in math and reading year over year, starting in 2022,” she wrote in one of the two goal statements for the coming year. “The Veterans Early Learning Center and Belmonte STEAM Academy will prepare students for this challenge through teaching students to read and write by age 8. Together, with a yearly goal of effective instruction, we will see long-term outcomes.” The other goal involves enhancement of teacher performance. All teachers will be observed regularly in every classroom for the purpose of perfecting high quality instruction. The School Committee supports the goals, and most members say they are excited about the superintendent’s approach to the new school year. The Saugus Advocate asked the School Committee members to cite what they are looking forward to the most as the district begins the 2021-22 school year. Here are their responses: School Committee Chair Tom Whittredge The thing that I’m most excited about is getting all of these kids back in school at the same time for in person learning. And, I’m also excited to see the three-school system in action. I think all of these schools are running in the right direction. There’s so much to be thankful for and excited about. We have a new education plan. We have new leadership. Everything is brand new and state-of-the-art. New Schools. A new athletic stadium. We’re going to be one of the most desirable districts around. A lot of school districts in the area are going to be jealous when they look at our facilities. I’m also looking forward to a culture change that involves everybody – staff, faculty, students and parents. I want us to go into the new year with a positive attitude instead of worrying about the same old, same old stuff. As far as the new athletic facility, it’s absolutely incredible. It’s awesome. It’s what we need to keep our kids in the school district. I believe it’s going to go a long way toward keeping our student athletes in the district because we have a great facility. We’re in a good spot right now and I want to keep it going Also, I do have some concerns. Sure, there are going to be a lot of hiccups. We can’t fill all of the buses at this point because of a lack of drivers. We normally have four buses. But we only have two buses right now. I’m hoping that by the time school starts, we will be able to have some more filled. School Committee ViceChair Ryan Fisher I'm looking forward to a full year of kids in classrooms, uninterrupted, taking full advantage of the three school alignment. The superintendent has announced her “moonshot” to put Saugus schools in the top 10% in five years, and she’s hitting the ground running. Covid’s still here, and there are going to be bumps on the road, but I’m anxious to get started. Great things are ahead. School Committee Member Joseph “Dennis” Gould Totally excited about starting the new school year with three new and/or refurbished schools, equipment, electronics, desks/chairs, athletic field and new play areas for PreK-1 and 2-5. Also looking forward to the common curriculum, standards and sharing of best practices for each grade, now that all Saugus Students for each grade PreK-12 are in the same building under the same principal. I also hope we can have as normal as possible face to face learning, ability to move around buildings, participate in afterschool activities and sports. Lastly, very pleased with adding a new media specialist for 2-5 Belmonte to enhance the library offerings and addressing our reading needs. School Committee Member Arthur Grabowski I’m looking forward to having the school year as normal as possible. After the horrendous time we had last year, I really want to see the students back in the classroom, participating in extracurricular activities and getting back to the business of learning and achieving. I would hope that this COVID situation will not impact us like it has in the past. We can’t afford another year like we had last year. The students cannot afford another year like last year. So, I’m looking forward to the students getting back in the classroom and doing what needs to be done to bring everybody back to where they should be in an educational and emotional place of well-being. Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657

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