001The committee of a whole will get started on today's Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Can you stand for the pledge? >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> You remain standing a prayer. >> Okay. >> Lord, as we begin this session, let us acknowledge your goodness and mercy and ask your blessings on all our deliberations. We thank you for this opportunity to be of service to our community and to the young people entrusted to our care. Amen. >> Amen. Roll call. Roll call, please. Dr. Bello, >> present. >> Mrs. Fagen's present. Madam Chair, >> present. >> Mr. Laura, >> present. >> Um, Mrs. Muller, >> present. >> Pursuant to Massachusetts open meeting
002law. This meeting is being recorded and livereamed via YouTube. The recording will be made available to the public on YouTube via a link on the district website as soon as possible. I'm also asked if anyone else is present is recording this meeting to please notify the chair. Thank you. I'll turn it over to um Mr. Carall. >> Thank you, Chairperson Chavez. So, I like to we're going to do things a little differently uh this time. I'd like to just open with a couple remarks. So, we're going to do things a little differently today. I'm going to start the uh ceremony off by recognizing two outstanding individuals who do not know they are being recognized today. So, I have the I have the pleasure of recognizing two Titans in the top public school administrative ranks who
003have literally started schools from the grounds up. So, if I could ask Principal Delaney to please join me on my left and if I could ask Principal Rodriguez to please join me on my right. [applause] So again, uh, I've had the pleasure throughout my career in Taton with working with some outstanding administrators. Uh, I'll start with Principal Rodriguez. Principal Rodriguez and I, our time goes back to when I was an assistant principal principal at the Freeman Middle School and she was a department head at Taton High School in the foreign language department. From there, she went on to serve as the assistant principal at Taton High School and then ascended to principal of the Martin Middle School. And then from the principal of Martin Middle School, which she helped lead through the pandemic, she wasn't
004done there. She thought it would be a great idea to start a virtual school from the ground up. So, Mrs. Rodriguez three years ago took on the task without any blueprint with very little guidance. She took on the task of starting a virtual school to make sure that our most fragile learners, students who for whatever reason couldn't function in a brickandmortar school or maybe had outside uh programs that took them away from brick and mortar schools to be able to access high quality education with that personal touch. So EA your time spent in the top public schools will be greatly missed. Your f fingerprints are in the foreign language department, Taton High School, Martin Middle School, and will be forever at the Taton Public Virtual Academy. And just know that your work will always be
005honored and your work will always be remembered. Congratulations [applause] Mr. Delaney, who reminds me he has a face for radio, and he promises to be very short with his comments. It was 13 years ago that we met Principal Delaney, who was an assistant principal at Foxboro High School when we brought him in to be the principal of the Taton Alternative High School. And again, that was our first bite at providing students at Taton High School, students in the city of Taton with programs that are alternative to the traditional setting in Taton High School. To date, Principal Delaney and his staff have helped almost 900 students earn graduation or earn their high school diploma over a 13-year period. [applause] He's everybody's favorite uncle. He knows how to build kids up. He knows how to knock them
006down and build them back up to be successful contributing members in our community. Bert, what you have done at Town Alternative High School uh will be forever, forever remembered. That is your school. And when we get that 10,000th graduate, I want you to come back and present your 10,000th graduate with their diploma. Thank you for all your service. [applause] >> Mr. Delaney thinks I have a face for radio, too. So that's >> and if you don't mind opening up your >> your gifts >> so everyone can see >> just a little just a little momentto from the Tom public schools for all your dedicated service. This cannot begin to match what you have given to the school and to your students and to this community. So thank you. [applause] unexpected. >> You know, I don't
007like these things. Job well done. >> Thank you. >> Get your back. I am going to miss you. >> Thank you so much. Thank you, Superintendent Gabal. One another round of applause. Okay, now we're going to move on to the recognition of our students. So, first up is Principal Tara Gagnen from Harold Gallaghan Elementary School. [applause] Help me up. Perfect. Thank you. All right, I'm actually going to ask you to do me a favor. Can you just hold that up like that? Can you hold that one up like that? Okay. Thank you. >> Good evening. I have nominated two outstanding young ladies from Gallagghan School for tonight's prestigious school committee recognition. Aubrey Cornell and Arya Norman are really very special fourth grade girls. They're always looking to help. Maybe it's their teacher. It could be
008me or my assistant principal. And it has been many people, usually anyone who just might need a hand. But there is one thing that these two young girls do every single day to make Gallagghan school a better, cleaner place. Aubrey Aubrey and Arya do not go outside for recess with all of their friends. Not because they're in any kind of trouble. Nope. It's because they choose not to go out for recess. Instead, while their friends are heading out of the cafeteria with their coats flying behind them, running and jumping for joy, that the next 30 minutes are going to be spent chasing their friends outside and laughing with their classmates and avoiding hard work. These two girls stay inside the cafeteria. It's very hot in there. It's sometimes a little stinky, especially on broccoli days.
009But no, these two young ladies do not go outside. Instead, they grab a broom and a dustpan and they get to work. Every day, they help our custodian, Mr. Josh sweep the entire cafeteria while he bags all of the trash. They sweep every corner, nook, and cranny and help Mr. Josh clean up after 300 children have eaten. And kids can be pretty messy. But that doesn't stop Arya and Aubrey. They love helping. No one has ever asked them to do that. They offered to sweep one day and have just kept coming back day after day since then. So today, I'd like to thank both Arya and Aubry for being amazing young ladies who have gone above and beyond to help me out, Mr. Josh, and our entire Gallagan community. And I'd like to publicly thank
010them for helping out the Gallagghan school community every single day with their selfless acts of kindness. Congratulations. [applause] Did you know that [applause] you take your hand? Take your right hand. Shake with your hands for me. Okay. And sit right back down. >> [applause] >> Awesome job, girls. I think I think I have some cleaning at my house you can come help me with. Um, next up is principal Dr. Sarah Buckley from Benjamin Freriedman Middle School. [applause] Good evening. Could I invite Leah Pashes and Revelanda [snorts] to the podium, please? [applause] [snorts] Tonight, I would like to recognize two exceptional students whose voices open each school day at Freeman Middle School with positivity and purpose. Every morning, both Roselle and Leah come into my office to review and prepare notes for the morning announcements. Without
011daily reminders or consistent supervision, they thoughtfully organize announcements submitted by staff and create excitement around school activities and events. Their reliability, confidence, and commitment to their roles are truly commendable. In addition to their work on the morning announcements, both students are active members of Freeman Student Council where they serve in leadership roles that help foster a positive inclusive school culture. Whether planning our pep rally or raising funds for leukemia, their dedication to serving others set a wonderful example for their peers and remind our school community that supporting one another is what Freeman Falcons do. Through their roles, both of these students demonstrate leadership by taking initiative, communicating effectively, and setting a positive tone for the entire school community. Thank you both, Roselle and Leah, for bringing kindness and positivity to our mornings each and every
012day. Your efforts help create a connected and supportive school community, and we are truly grateful for all that you do. Thank you. [applause] I think our world needs some more kindness and positivity. So, thank you ladies for being great role models. Another round of applause. [applause] [applause] Next presentation is by um a fifth grade teacher in the grade five team, Cheryl Cunningham from John Parker Middle School. [applause] And this is our wonderful student, John. John John Sylvia. And we have nominated him because he's a wonderful fifth grade student at Parker Middle. He is polite, kind, hardworking, and a very deep thinker. You go above and beyond to share and explain your mathematical thinking. You work well independently with a partner or in a small group. You're patient and respectful. You're academically and socially strong, fun,
013and you're a joy to have in class. Now, some ELA compliments and um science and every every subject actually. You're hardworking, kind, and respectful. You consistently bring out the best in those around you. You approach every challenge with enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, determination to grow in new environments. Your character, work ethnic, work ethics, and positive attitude make you the special type of student that we love to have in our classroom. John is a student who will undoubtedly continue to succeed and make an impact wherever you go and to have someone who will leave a meaningful mark on all of our past and future teachers who have the privilege to be a part of your learning career. >> Thank you. Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> I think a theme of bringing out the
014best in people is something that a lot of our students should follow. So, good job, John. Our next up is um Principal Elizabeth Rodriguez from Taton Public Virtual Academy. [applause] Good evening. Um, I think Miss Cunningham used the word joy when she talked about her students and that stuck with me because I think everyone here that's in education knows that the joy in this kind of vocation is the joy in the students that we have. And one thing that we notice in the virtual school is when their physical presence isn't with us. We notice when they are with us and when they're present even on the screen. So, um, it's that joy that we're after and um, these are the students I'd like to recognize for bringing us that joy. Um, I'd like to call
015up Jamon Carvalo, Pamela D. Costa, and Nathan Quiet if he's here. [applause] So, I'll start with Jamon right to my right. So, Jamon Carvalo just joined TPVA um this past January at the beginning of the semester. I'm not sure if most of us can understand what it's like to transition from an in-person school, right? And there's a reason why students want to or need to make a transition. And it's not easy. There are some different rules and and don't necessarily like them all. But, you know, when I was reflecting on who might need some recognition, I'm thinking, boy, I haven't haven't seen Jamon for a long time, except when he's in class and then I look at his grades and he's there. and um when we when I had a conversation with him about joining
016our student leadership group. So I'm like, "Wow, he's only just started with us and this is who he is already with that transition." So I thought to describe Jamon, I went straight to his report card and I am going to quote what his teachers said about him. He's an absolute pleasure. He's consistently present, which is more than you might think in virtual school. He participates daily. He's responsive and I find him to be very honest and he certainly meets and exceeds all our expectations. So, thank you Jamon for being so awesome at TPVA. Congratulations. [applause] Next up, I'd like to recognize one of our seniors, Pamela Dosta. Um, this is Pamela's second year with us, so she's known us for some time and we know her a little bit, too. Um she's very dear to
017our hearts and as many TPVA students if you can imagine many of many all of us really many people have hidden challenges hidden personal challenges ones that we don't see they're invisible um but we're dealing with them all along and um I'm just so overwhelmed and overcome with joy that Pamela has done so much when she's been with us. She's done this through her honesty. She's done it through her conscientiousness. She's done it by communicating with us, advocating for herself while being polite. Um, she's accepted responsibility for her for herself. Um, she makes her caregivers so proud. Right, Deb? [snorts] And she's done it with her hard work and she will be graduating. And I'd like to mention also that she's a bit of a pioneer. She's had a thanks to Mrs. Ganyion's collaboration at
018Gallagghan School. Um she had a terrific internship um in elementary education. So thank you Mrs. Ganon. Thank you Pamela. Thank you Deb. [applause] Congratulations. [applause] I'm so proud of you. >> And I I do just want to say a few quick words about one of our also um a student that's been with us for two years, Nathan Quiet. Um, I just want to acknowledge that. Uh, for the record as well, Nathan is a student that's in grade nine. He's been with us for two years. He has grown incredibly in his independence. Um, he has an incredible work ethic. Um, he's conscientious. He's achieved high levels in both his asynchronous classes and in his live classes. And I'd like to also just recognize Nathan Quiet, grade nine. [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> What? One of the
019themes that's we're hearing tonight is work ethic and that these students really just go above and beyond. And I think at the virtual high school, it's a little bit harder because they are online. So, thank you, Miss Rodriguez, for pointing them out and and really highlighting the hard work that they've done. Tonight, we're going to move forward with um Principal Bert Delaney from Taton's Alternative High School for the next presentation. [applause] Congratulations to all the students being recognized and staff. Um these these events of are highlights for our principles every year. This this we should talk more about what the good in education. We hear about the negativity all the time but I love coming to these events. I love hearing about students and what they do in our community. It makes Taton a special
020place. Tonight, standing with me is Braden Johnson. Braden is a senior at Taton Alternative High School. He's being recognized tonight for going above and beyond by representing not only Taton Alternative High School, not only the Taton Public Schools, but the great city of Taton at Student Government Day at the state house back in April. In the last 13 years, we've never had a student represent Taton Alternative High School at the state house for the student government day. Well, that changed this year with Braden. Every year, I ask my social studies teach teacher, Mr. Gracia, for a couple student recommendations. We'll talk to the kids. We never force kids to do anything. If they want to do it, we help them pursue it. He said to me, quote, my my my social study, Mr. D. Braden
021Johnson without a doubt loves politics, loves to express himself, participates in class, respects other people's opinions, and goes above and beyond every day. So, for the first time in 13 years, we had a student go to the state house. Not only did Braden go to the state house and participate with over 200 students from across the state of Massachusetts, he participated. Not only did he participate, Mr. Cabra, you have the evidence of that. Braden got up, volunteered, and spoke on the state house floor in a bunch of in front of a bunch of very powerful politicians. And I can tell you, as someone that likes to talk, public speaking doesn't bother me, as you know, this guy killed it. Absolutely killed it. Braden came to Ton Alternative High School this year for a senior year.
022And like a lot of seniors, they're not sure what is the alternative high school, why am I here, what am I doing? But I can tell you quickly he established himself as a very quiet student leader. He comes to school every day. He works hard. He helps his fellow classmates. And I can tell you, mom, dad, and nana that are sitting over there, you've raised a wonderful young man. Every day when he leaves our building at dismissal, he holds the door for other students. That does not happen all the time. You've done a good job. Thank you for letting me b be a part of his life. [applause] Braden is a young man who has a very successful uh whatever he decides he's going to be very successful at. He works hard. He has a
023he has a job out outside of school. It's not an easy job, but he works hard. He shows up every single day and does what he's supposed to do. These are the type of individuals we want to produce from the Taton public schools. High character kids that are going out into the real world to help us all. I don't know when Mr. Cabra was present to myself and Mrs. Rodriguez if you thought we were getting fired. Did we get quit? Did we quit? Um, we happen I happen to be retiring very soon and I can tell you there is no better senior class led by this young man Braden Johnson that I would rather go out with. Braden, congratulations. [applause] your hand. [applause] >> [applause] >> One of the things that came from that speech
024is talking about being a pioneer and it seems like many of the students here are pioneers in their schools doing something above and beyond that other students haven't done. So, thank you and congratulations um Braden. Our next award is being presented by the communications coordinator, Cynthy Johnson. [applause] So, in my job, I get to interact with lots of people, but generally it's one-time interactions. It's infrequent that I will have multiple interactions with a single student and a single student that I can say that I enjoy interacting with. The first time I got to interact with Greg um was maybe three or four months after I started my position here as communications coordinator and I was tasked with spreading the wonderful news about the first about the robotics team competing reaching a milestone and competing in
025their first competition first robotics in Canton. And I got to talk to Greg about his experiences and put together a press release about that. And I looked at him and I believe you were a sophomore at the time going, "Now there's a kid who was extremely passionate about robotics and is really going to succeed and go places." Well, now Greg is a senior. I've had the opportunity to interact with him [clears throat] multiple times and not just in this press release setting, but it seems like anytime we're doing something of note or of esteem at Taton High School and we involve students, Greg is there. Greg was part of the team that had a panel discussion with the commissioner of education when Pedro Martinez came to visit Taton High School. Um, and then when we
026did our first community cafe and we needed student volunteers from the high school to h to come and help entertain uh some of the younger kids so that their parents would would be free who was one of the kids sitting at the table doing arts and crafts. It was Greg. So Greg is a dedicated member of this community, not just within the school building but outside the school building. He's a dedicated member of the community in general. And one of the things that most impressed me about Greg is he's a senior. He's graduating this year. He's going off to Purdue to pursue engineering, which we know he will do a phenomenal job with, but he was one of the founding members of the robotics team. Now, he got what he needed out of robotics. But
027he's so passionate about that that before graduating, he approached me and asked me, "How do I present to the school committee about the vision I have for growing our robotics program and to make it sustainable and to make it more valuable to our community and to provide skills and resources and education that our students need and I will tell you that the presentation that Greg put together for the high school subcommittee was one of the most thorough, wellressearched presentations I have ever looked at and I've gone through professional PDs. It's probably also better than any presentation I have put together. So, I think it goes without saying that Greg is a wonderful asset to the community and we are all very proud of him and we wish him so much good luck. Not that he
028will need it at Purdue next year. [applause] >> [applause] >> Greg, I'd like to add that I do see a lot of students and you were one student that I as soon as I met you, I was like, I need to know who this kid is because your energy is contagious and you are passionate about what you do and you're also a pioneer. So congratulations. >> Thank [applause] you. >> Our next award is being presented by math teacher Jessica Lampert from Taton High School. [applause] I have nominated Elijah Ellis. Elijah is an uh grade 8 at Taton High School. Elijah shows up every day ready to learn, bringing a positive attitude and a determination to keep going even when things feel challenging. He does not shy away from mistakes. Instead, he asks questions, seeks extra
029practice, and talks through his learning to grow. Over the course of the year, he has made meaningful meaningful growth as a teammate, now working to listen, share ideas, and support others. He also quietly gives back to our classroom community by staying after school to organize materials, plug in devices, and even help teachers prepare their classrooms for testing. His perseverance, kindness, and genuine desire to help others make him a truly special member of our school. [applause] >> [applause] >> another student that illustrates hard work, showing up and and going above and beyond. So, excellent job. Our last um student awards are being presented by curriculum supervisor Ashley Pacho GTO [applause] bon and good evening. I I need to introduce two colleagues, two amazing colleagues who are helping me here tonight. Miss Anna Ponte Porto, a Spanish
030and Portuguese teacher. You can give her a round of applause. [applause] She deserves it. And Miss Alena Miranda, a Portuguese teacher. Thank you guys for [applause] being here tonight. It [snorts] is a privilege to stand before you today to recognize the accomplishments of some outstanding students in our world language program at Taton High School. This year, 160 of our Taton High School students competed in the national Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Latin exams. And this evening we are celebrating 22 of them who attained national recognition for exceptional performance and have earned medals. So world language students national language exam world language students if you are here would you mind coming up and [clears throat] standing to my right side please? [applause] >> [applause] >> Hola, hola, hola. Okay, so I will begin with Spanish. The national
031Spanish exam was administered to approximately 83,000 middle and high schools throughout the United States. Out of the 80 students who t who took the national Spanish exam this year at Taton High School, 11 of them earned medals. On the level one exam, Fabiana Andre, Matthew Fernandez, Alyssa Howard, Molina Ross. I'm going to stop there. Fabiana Andre, do you mind coming here to grab your certificate and medal if you are here? [applause] Matthew Fernandez, [applause] Alyssa Howard, [applause] Molina Roose, [applause] Luis Sio, [applause] Those students all earned bronze medals and our silver medalist for the level one exam was Napalene Montteru. [applause] On the level two exam, Isandra Kamush earned a bronze medal. [applause] On on the level three exam, Nicholas Diaz earned a bronze medal. [applause] On the level four exam, Lana Vasu earned a
032bronze medal. [applause] On the level five exam, Pierre Charles and Lovvenia Lexador earned bronze medals. [applause] Now on to the National Portuguese exam. The National Portuguese exam was administered to students to throughout the United States. And out of the 27 students who participated this year, two of them earned medals. On the level two exam, Matild Cera earned a silver medal. [applause] And on the level five exam, Leah Lyanna Mora earned a gold medal. [applause] The National Latin Exam is administered annually to approximately 100,000 students in all 50 states and around the world. Out of the 31 students who participated in in the national Latin exam this year, seven of them earned medals. On the level one exam, Sasha Garcia Bonia [applause] and Elliot Ritz earned gold medal [applause] and Terrence Yang earned a silver medal.
033[applause] On the level two exam, Kay Gonzalez and Giana Taylor earned gold medals. >> [applause] >> and Juna Silva earned a silver medal. [applause] And on the level four exam, Nadia Kavalu Arojo earned gold Suma Kumare. [applause] And last, but certainly not least, the National French Exam. Uh the national French exam is administered annually to approximately 46,000 students in the nation. Out of the 24 students who took who took the national French exam this year, uh we have two of them who earned medals. Um unfortunately French recipients, the medals haven't been delivered yet to Taton High School, but we still want to recognize you tonight on the level two exam. Ed Dej [applause] and Sheila Morat [applause] Eda and Chilanda both earned silver medals. [applause] Tigers, we are so proud of your accomplishments. You truly
034are cultural ambassadors for the city of Taton. And I also want to give a big shout out to the world language team. They're not all here tonight, but the world language team of teachers who work hard every single day to produce global citizens with these multilingual capabilities. [applause] >> [applause] >> Congratulations to all those students. Um, before we turn it over to do some awards for our staff, a couple of things that I wanted to say that resonated as we were listening to it. I'd ask all the students to stand that got awards tonight. So, everybody stand. [applause] >> [applause] >> So the students that you see here are our pioneers. They have positive attitude. They're hardworking. They go above and beyond to bring out the best in others in our schools. They have a
035desire to make our schools a better place. And we thank you for all your hard work. And we are privileged to have you guys as students. So thank you. >> [applause] >> I'm going to turn this over to Mrs. Fagan and she is going to do the staff recognitions. [applause] So our first first one is for Edward F. Letty Preschool by teachers Lane Carter, Megan Kle, and Jennifer Walker. you please come to the podium. [applause] >> Hello everybody. So kindness has the power to change lives. A kind word, a helping hand, or even a smile can make someone feel seen, valued, and understood. Heather Dupont understands and exemplifies this almost every day. She's been the heart and soul of the Lady Preschool for many years. Every year, Heather organizes and picks up all the donations
036for the Thanksgiving baskets. One year, she even grew the all the butternut squash herself. Um, she boxes them with help and delivers them to families who can't get to our school to pick them up. She's always ready and willing to help the teachers, assistants, or other therapists with questions about occupational therapy for their students or even their family members. She brings joy to the students with her array of inflatable costumes. Olaf and Gingerbread Man um among others uh walking in the Christmas parade are greeting the students at school. She um has used her knowledge of fixing airplanes to help a teacher set up a cockpit in her dramatic play area and um brings great amount of excitement and energy to pump up the students. Kindness is contagious. Seeing Heather act this way inspires others to
037do the same. Although she doesn't ask for recognition for her years of service to the le to the Letty community, we felt it was time she was acknowledged for her selfless acts. >> Heather [applause] >> [applause] >> Thank you. >> [applause] [cheering] [applause] >> Uh, thank you, uh, Heather. That's awful nice of you to give so much time, and it's really hard to keep kids engaged all the time, but it seems like you do. So, congratulations to you, and thank you for the staff for nominating you. Next one is Joseph C. Chamberlain Elementary School by Principal Jennifer Peters. All >> [applause] >> right. [clears throat] Today I'm here to show gratitude to the staff of our TLC program whose work has reminded me again and again what dedication, resilience, and hope look like in action.
038Each year brings its own challenges in this year has certainly been no exception. For me, one of the defining questions of this year has been what does enough look like? In countless meetings with attorneys, advocates, caregivers, and service providers, I have heard the phrase the school isn't doing enough. Hearing that repeatedly has led me to reflect deeply on what enough truly means, how is it measured and who determines it? In a field where people give their time, energy, compassion, and commitment so fully, these questions can weigh heavily. I have also had the privilege of watching our staff navigate that same reality. I have seen the exhaustion that comes with this work, but I have also seen something even more powerful, their decision to return day after day with unwavering commitment to our students. After one
039particularly difficult day, I found myself reflecting on that perseverance. During that time, I came across a scene from Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers that stayed with me. In the scene, Froto is exhausted. The weight of the journey has become almost unbearable, and he tells Sam, "I can't do this." It is in a moment of deep discouragement, the It is a moment of deep discouragement, the kind of moment when the path ahead feels too heavy, too uncertain, and too far beyond what any one person should be asked to carry. Sam's response is not simple optimism. He does not pretend the journey is easy and he does not dismiss Froto's pain. Instead, he acknowledges the darkness. He recognizes that some stories are filled with hardship, danger, and moments when turning back would seem understandable. But
040he also reminds Froto that the stories that matter most are the ones in which people keep going. Not because the road is easy, but because they are holding on to something good. That scene stayed with me because it speaks so clearly to the work of educators and especially the work of our TLC staff. There are days when the work is heavy. There are days when the needs are complex, the challenges are layered, and um the path forward is not always clear. And yet, our staff continue to show up and they continue to care. The TLC staff walk alongside students who carry challenges and experiences that most of us couldn't begin to imagine. They shield them from the shadows while they're in our care, and they weather the storm brought on when it's time to go
041home. They love in a way only educators can. Like Sam's reminder, their work is rooted in the belief that there is good worth fighting for. For our TLC staff, that good is found in every student who feels safe enough to try again and in every moment of trust that is slowly rebuilt. It is no coincidence that the Taton Public Schools logo is a torch. It symbolizes hope, resilience, and connection. The TLC staff carry this light with them as they walk the halls each day. That light guides our students, strengthens our resolve, and reminds us of our shared purpose. though um through their care and commitment they begin they become a source of strength and hope for the students who need it the most. Today I am proud to recognize several true beacons of that light.
042The staff from our TLC program. [applause] You guys can come up now. >> [applause] [applause] >> All right, let's see here. All right, Kyle. Okay, sorry. Uh, Hannah Amaya, Kyle, Tweety, Stephc, Pam, Violet. >> You guys are going too fast. Kelly St. Pierre, Alison Graves, >> Lane, where are you playing? >> Lane Hogan. >> Lauren's not here. Britney, Nope. Okay, Jazzy. Uh, Jasmine Martins, >> Katie Flynn, you car [applause] Joanne Nichols. [applause] Okay. And Cara Foster. [applause] Okay. [applause] And you get part two. Yay. All right. In schools, we often talk about support, collaboration, and community. But every now and then, a moment comes that tests whether those are just words we say or values we actually [clears throat] live. There are also seasons when you can feel the weight of what is missing just
043as much as the strength of who remains. For us, that moment came this year when all of our counselors were out on parental leave. There was a real gap in our village. And in that gap, Erica, our reset room academic tutor, and Sean, our reset room social worker, stepped forward. What I really want to honor today is not simply that they helped, but rather how they helped. They did not step up as though this work belonged to someone else and they were just filling in. They stepped up as people who already saw themselves as part of something larger and have a quiet kind of leadership that reveals itself in moments that matter most. They take initiative. They have good instincts. They see what students need and they respond with steadiness and compassion. Their care for
044students is not performative or occasional. It is constant and it shows in a way that they move through the building and in the relationships they build every day. I have [snorts] also I have also deeply appreciated the way they work alongside the administrative team. They don't see themselves as separate from us but as partners in this work. They have been able to guide one another, learn from one another and support one another in service of our students. That kind of partnership is not something you can manufacture. It comes from trust, humility, and a shared sense of purpose. There are some people in a school who do more than fulfill a role. They help hold the whole thing together. Erica and Shawn have become those people for us. It is a privilege to recognize them today
045and thank them for the above and beyond way they have cared for our students and helped carry our school forward. [applause] This is Erica Freighus [applause] and Mr. Ren. [applause] Thank you so much. [applause] >> I'd like to uh thank Principal Jennifer Peters for bringing our attention to how difficult it is to be a teacher sometimes and how devoted our teachers are. So, we really appreciate that. Thank you so much. Now, for the Harold H. Gallaghan Elementary School. Principal Tara Gagny [applause] over there. Someone over there. >> Thank you once again. I brought my second grade team, an amazing team at Gallagghan School. So, we didn't tell the truth about why we were coming here tonight. And one of the members of this team is not going to be happy with me right now. So
046tonight, I stand before you to proudly nominate our second grade special education teacher, Laura and Selmo, for this prestigious award. >> Come on, we got you. [laughter] [applause] >> So, obviously Laura did not know we were doing this this evening. She's probably not happy with me right now, but we'll deal with that tomorrow morning. Because Laura is not someone who ever wants any recognition. So, Laura arrives early every morning to school. She works tirelessly to make sure that every one of her students who are on academic IEPs gets everything they need to be successful. That means creating lessons tailored to their strengths in order to lessen their weaknesses. Laura constantly takes data on her students to ensure they are on track. She shares that data with her colleagues, with families, and with me to make
047sure that we are all on the same page in shaping a student's pathway to success. And although Laura has an assigned group of students requiring her services, if you walked by her classroom, you would see students sitting her at her teacher table who are not on her roster and who are not eligible for special education services. But Laura doesn't care about that. She takes those students anyway. She helps all students regardless of their special education eligibility. She wants to help all students to succeed. She creates lessons for every single student so no one is left behind and so that everyone is making progress. And not only that, but Laura also acts as a mentor to new teachers. She takes them under her wing, shows them the proper way to plan, implement curriculum, prepare for necessary
048outcomes, and celebrate all the wins that occur daily. And this is one of Laura's greatest strengths. She celebrates every small win for every student she encounters. And you and I might find find some of these wins small, but to a student, reading a complete sentence when they've never been able to do that before is a huge win in their eyes. Reading a book for the first time is a huge win for a child when they come to second grade unable to read at all. Laura cheers her students on, celebrates with them, sends every single one of them to my office so they can read to me, too, and allows me to be a part of every child's win. She has so much love and compassion for her students. So, the second grade team and I
049felt it was very important to recognize Laura tonight because Laura is retiring. I don't think she has any idea how impactful she has been for me, the her colleagues, and all of the students that she serves. She is one of a kind and the Ton public schools are so lucky to have had her teaching all of our wonderful students. So please accept my nominee Laura and Selmo. [applause] >> Thank you so much. >> [applause] [applause] >> Well, thank Thank you, Miss Scagnan, for uh informing us of of uh fine job that Laura is doing in the building. And we're all sorry to hear she's retiring, but you know, if she comes back and that's what fulfills her, that's nice. But it's just really nice to be reminded how how really dedicated our teachers are. So,
050thank you for that. Next one. James Elmore Kay Elementary School by teacher Caitlyn Duh. [applause] with that too much. Good evening everyone. Tonight I have the honor of recognizing someone who truly makes our MKI school community a better place every single day. Miss Deborah Johar. Deb consistently goes above and beyond in everything she does. Her kindness, compassion, and dedication to both students and staff never go unnoticed. She has a special way of making students feel safe, supported, and cared for. And she's always willing to step in and help wherever she is needed. One day she is our fourth grade special education assistant, another day she's a music teacher, another day she's a gym teacher. She's just she wears many hats and she wears them all very well. Whether it's offering encouragement, brightening someone's day with
051a smile, or quietly doing the little things that make a big difference, Deb leads with an incredibly selfless heart. Her commitment to her job and to the well-being of our students is truly inspiring. It is a privilege to celebrate and recognize someone so deserving tonight. Please join me in congratulating Deb on this well-earned recognition. [applause] Thank you so much. [applause] Uh there's not too many teachers that can handle stuff they're not they've never taught before, but I I highly uh [laughter] I highly admirable of people that can do that to have a Jill of all trades in a building. So that's great. Thank you so much. Next one is the Johnet Parker Middle School by teacher Julia Sandborn. [applause] Good evening. I am deeply honored to nominate Cheryl Cunningham for this recognition for her extraordinary
052dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment for to the Totten public school system. Cheryl has devoted her heart and soul to this community, impacting not only programs and policies, but the lives of students, families, and colleagues alike. Throughout her years of service, Cheryl has gone above and beyond as a leader, passionate advocate, and compassionate voice for both students and staff. Guided always by what is best for students, she truly believes in every child's potential, celebrates their grow growth in any capacity, and shows up when it matters most. Her impact on Totten public schools is lasting, meaningful, and deeply appreciated. Working alongside Cheryl has been one of the greatest privileges of my career so far. Because of her, I am a better person as an educator, a mother, a friend, a leader. While her retirement this year marks
053the end of the remarkable chapter, the imprint she leaves behind will endure for generations to come. Cheryl Cunningham's legacy is reflected not just in her years of service, but in the countless students, families, and colleagues whose lives she has impacted. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Thank you so much. >> [applause] >> Well, Mr. Cabra, it looks like your job's cut out for you replacing all these teachers with all this institutional knowledge that have been such a help to the students and to all the teachers. But thank you very much for all you did, Miss Cunningham. All right, next one. Taught public virtual academy. And once again, Principal Elizabeth Rodriguez. [applause] >> I'd like to take another moment because I'd like to acknowledge this incredible team. Um, not every member could be here tonight. Um, but
054I want to acknowledge the work that we do together every single day. Because of the non-traditional nature of our school, no two days are really ever the same. We face challenges that we may not have anticipated, situations we've never encountered before, and moments that require us to adapt very quickly and support one another without hesitation. What makes this team exceptional is the trust that we have in each other, the reliance we can place on one another, and the flexibility everyone demonstrates day after day. No matter what comes our way, the team shows resilience, adaptability, and strength. Each person brings unique talents and perspectives that make us stronger together. Um, we talk about teams all the time, but I truly mean that. Um, every single member of the team brings things that they probably didn't think
055that they were going to be contributing to the job on any given day. Um, more importantly, every member of this team gives themselves far beyond any job description. They bring care, commitment, and willingness to step in wherever it's needed, and that certainly doesn't go unnoticed. That's what's created Taton Public Virtual Academy, and that's what's going to keep it going forward in the future. So, thank you all to my great team. I would like to start by acknowledging a person that's been at my side since the inception of the school, our school con counselor, Erica Mosso. [applause] Next up, I have actually our most recent addition to our team. Um, sometimes I wonder how we survived without her. Um, she brings amazing talents to us. Um, our secretary, school secretary, Jamie Brozen. [applause] Next up, our
056math teacher who sometimes has to change things on a dime and who brings our students doing math online every day. Thank you, Allison Rose. [applause] I also want to acknowledge our special educator who multitasks every single day, Sher Shuain, our English teacher, Corey Martin. Um, and also, um, and that's it actually. That was my other student. Thank you so much, Ton Public Virtual Academy team. [applause] >> [applause] >> Rodriguez. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Thank you so much for bringing our attention to all the people that were helpful in the program. I'm sure it's quite a different job doing all you the uh school that you do, the virtual academy, but nice that you had all this these fine people behind you. Thank you very much. And with that, I'm going to turn it back over
057to you, Madam Chair. >> Thank you everybody for coming tonight. Congratulations to all the award recipients. If I can get a motion to >> motion to adjurnn. >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. The eyes have it. Have a good evening and drive carefully home. [applause] There is some um some coffee and some cookies out front. Help yourself.