A Message from the President
On behalf of the entire board, we would like thank Christine Fitzgibbons for all of the time and hard work she has given as EAN President. It has been a busy year in Norwell and the entire association has benefited from her dedication.
The 2011-12 school year was notable in many ways. There was a transition to a new Superintendent, the negotiation of new health care rates and plans, new administrators in almost every building, and a successful override vote which confirmed the trust and dedication of the community to what we are doing in the schools.
As notable as these changes are, they bring to us new opportunities and challenges for the 2012-13 school year and beyond. Some of these initiatives include the implementation of the Massachusetts Common Core, the piloting of a new teacher evaluation system, the implementation of a new math at the elementary level, and the switch to Mac based technology at the Middle and High Schools. In addition to that, we will be welcoming the largest number of new hires since the 2001-02 school year
The success of all of these initiatives will require that we access some qualities that are not new to Norwell teachers/staff: hard work, intelligence, innovation, and an unfailing dedication to the children and families of Norwell. They will also require us to tap into our abilities to work as a team, with a focus on how we can support each other as mentors, colleagues and friends.
We are looking forward to working with and for each member of the EAN next year. We invite you to ask questions, contribute time and talents and, in general, unite to have positive impact on our community.
Enjoy your summer and we look forward to seeing you in September.
Most sincerely,
Tracy Simmons and Eileen Warren
Co-Presidents
Education Association of Norwell I
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March 20, 2012
Dear Members,
Spring has sprung early here in Norwell !!
Spring brings with it lovely weather and flowers in bloom. It also brings MCAS and Town Meeting. This year our town is going for an override to meet the financial needs of the community. The schools are a large part of the override. Our superintendent, Matt Keegan, will be meeting with each staff to outline the cuts that may be made if the override does not pass. I have been in several budget meetings over the last several weeks and for the first time, in a long time, I am concerned about the preservation of our programs here in Norwell. I urge those of you who live in town to be engaged in the process and all of us employed by the town to speak positively, when asked, about the need for an override.
We also have a ratification meeting at Norwell High School on Tuesday, March 27th in the Little Theater. We will be voting on that day on a proposal about health insurance. Please make every attempt to be present. We are starting at 4:00pm. Looking forward to seeing you all!!
In Unity,
Christine Fitzgibbons, President of EAN