ENROLLMENT: 284  (up 17 students from June 2008)

Ron Viafore indicated that it was “strange” to write his last principal’s report during June of his last year here.  For me, it is also “strange” to be writing my last principal’s report of the year as a first-year administrator.   I know that I speak for him as well when we use the word “strange” as a way to describe the feeling of a year coming to an end in the blink of an eye!  Thank you for your warm welcome and support through the school year 2008-2009.

The month of May indicated that spring was here with a focus on the arts.  David Poirier’s spring concert and Al Coffill’s art show kicked off the month, spotlighting the many talents of the students at Kent Center School.  Parents, staff, and students talked for days about David’s “William Tell Overture” and the gallery-quality of the artwork Al gets the students to produce!  Al also accompanied the sixth grade teachers on a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art as an integration of art, social studies, and writing.

These events were followed by the middle school track meet organized by Marci Perotti. The skies were clear, the students engaged in several physical fitness events, and there was collaboration amongst the schools that showed a true sense of the region’s cohesiveness.

Tim Limbos approached me about presenting an overview of EMS services to the primary grades.  This was very well-received.  Students learned about this important group of people and even took a tour of an ambulance. This was yet another example of how the community is so involved with the learning that takes place at Kent Center School.

The month of May ended with Kent’s very popular Memorial Day Parade.  Kent Center School students represented us well, again under the direction of David Poirier.  It turned out to be a beautiful day.

It is with bittersweet feelings that we say goodbye this month to some very special people at the school.  Mary Ellen O’Callaghan has chosen to accept the early retirement incentive, and Abby Palmer is joining her husband in moving to North Carolina.  Carol Spelbos, Linda Hall, and Dianne Johnson are stepping down from their PTO positions.  Kathy Nadire will be joined by three new officers for the next school year.  Good luck to all of you.  We will miss you.

We will also miss the 22 eighth graders that will be graduating on Monday evening, June 15, 2009. All of us extend our best wishes to this special group!

Lastly, I would like to acknowledge all of those that helped me achieve a successful first year.  The students, staff, parents, central office administration, and the Board of Education have all made this year rewarding and enjoyable.

BACK to Board of Education Main Page