Reid Middle School Named Spotlight School
  Mary Jean Fawcett of NELMS speaks to students and school officials about Reid's designation as a Spotlight School in the school library. Left, student hang a banner noting the school's recognition. |
The designation, which lasts for three years, is meant not only to recognize initiatives but to potentiate opportunities for staff of other middle schools throughout the New England states to learn from successful practices at this Pittsfield school.
"This recognition highlights quality, effective teaching, positive student outcomes and overall school improvement," said NELMS Assistant Executive Director Mary Jean Fawcett, presenting the award in the school's library Tuesday.
"The Spotlight award is an honor, and an opportunity to be a leader, which are already, obviously, judging from all of the visits you are receiving," Fawcett told the personnel and student councilors gathered for the presentation.
Reid has been visited in recent years by several other school districts, including Amherst, Holyoke, Chicopee and Munson, seeking to learn more about the school's educational practices.
Superintendent of Schools Howard J. Eberwein congratulated the staff of Reid, and thanked them personally for all they had done to "make our jobs easier, in communicating with our community at large on how we are creating and generating positive return on our investment dollars."
Eberwein told Reid educators that visits to the school as part of this Spotlight designation would be a great chance for positive professional development for themselves as well their visitors.
"I think this is going to be a great opportunity for Reid to open up its doors, and have people come in and show them some of the positive things that are happening here."
Guidance counselor Monica Zanin pointed to the excellence of Reid's teachers, and "constant collaboration" aided in part by strategic team meetings built into their schedule.
"It's professional development, embedded in our school day, every day," said Zanin.
"Being a Spotlight School is an honor and opportunity," NELMS Executive Director Brenda Needham wrote in its statement of congratulations, "to be a leader and advocate for ongoing school improvement, effective middle level instruction, and student success during this unique time of adolescence. The school and community should be proud of this accomplishment."
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