With school starting next week, the Current asked interim Superintendent John Robixous and all five principals about their back-to-school traditions.
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux
What is your goal for this school year?
My goal is to start the year with our new team of administrators and educators on a positive note and ensure that everyone has a sense of belonging within our Marblehead school community!
Do you still get first-day jitters?
After 25+ years in education, yes I always get back to school jitters because it is such an exciting time. I handle them by engaging with staff, students and caregivers.
What’s your favorite back-to-school tradition or ritual?
I usually wear one of my education-related ties.
What’s your favorite school lunch?
I never used to buy lunch at school because my mom always packed a PBJ sandwich.
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MHS Principal Michele Carlson
What is your goal for this school year?
I would like to enhance student engagement and achievement for students. My goal is to make sure every student has all of the resources and opportunities necessary to realize their full potential, while also ensuring our school maintains a culture of excellence and a sense of belonging.
Do you still get first-day jitters?
Yes, I still get a bit of back-to-school jitters. I usually don’t sleep too well the night before school opens because I want our students and staff to have a successful year. Over the summer, the MHS administrative team has focused on preparing and planning for the opening of school for students so that things will go smoothly for the students and faculty.
What’s your favorite back-to-school tradition or ritual?
My favorite back-to-school tradition is the teachers welcoming the freshman students as they enter the building on the first day of school. It’s a wonderful opportunity to kick off the new year with enthusiasm and positivity.
What’s your favorite school lunch?
I enjoy the salad bar because it offers many options.
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Veterans School Principal Matt Fox
What is your goal for this school year?
One of our goals is to formalize all of the great interventions that we have always done to support the growth of our students. Using data-based discussions and decisions, we are going to be providing many of our students with an increased chance to receive some focused instruction and review to assist them in their growth.
Do you still get first-day jitters?
Just like all of our students, I am both a little excited and a little nervous at the start of every school year. The thing that helps me get over those nerves is to be in the halls and classrooms as students adjust back to school. As I get to know our students, my nerves tend to fade away.
What’s your favorite back-to-school tradition or ritual?
I love when we read off all of our advisories when students arrive. Similar to the Harry Potter sorting hat ritual, seeing students smiling and excited to start the year as they head off with their advisor is a great way to start the school year.
What’s your favorite school lunch?
Fish sticks. They are made from locally sourced fish from Gloucester!
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Village School Principal Scott Williams
What is your goal this school year?
My goal for this school year is to build relationships and partnerships with the Village community: students, staff members and parents!
Do you still get first-day jitters?
I handle all jitters in life with hitting the gym — CrossFit, sports conditioning, weight training, boot camps. You name it, I’ve done it!
What’s your favorite back-to-school tradition or ritual?
As a child, I have memories of going back-to-school shopping with my grandmother. She would take us out to buy one new back-to-school outfit and then we would go out to a “fancy lunch” somewhere in the city. It felt very grown up!
What’s your favorite school lunch?
My favorite school lunch always was (and probably still is) chicken nuggets and tater tots!
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Glover School interim Principal Frank Kowalski
What is your goal this school year?
My goal is to create a happy school culture where the teachers are empowered to do what they do best.
Do you still get first-day jitters?
Being an administrator for over 25 years still brings a sleepless night the eve of the school year. I like to work really late at school the day before to make sure I am ready and then go for a long walk to clear my mind.
What’s your favorite back-to-school tradition or ritual?
I get to work early to see the sunrise and have a cup of coffee outside my building. I find it so peaceful. I look forward to the Marblehead sunrise. Anyone can join me.
What’s your favorite school lunch?
Hands down… pizza!
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Brown School Principal Mary Maxfield
What is your goal for this school year?
Same as always…. to provide support, guidance and connection for all teachers, staff members, families and children so, together, we can continue to provide high quality instruction in a safe and respectful learning environment….and to make sure we are laughing and having some fun everyday while doing this.
Do you still get first-day jitters?
Not really jitters, but I would say there is considerable headspace taken up by the never-ending checklist to make sure everything is in place for kids, teachers, staff and families to be ready on day one.
What’s your favorite back-to-school tradition or ritual?
Walking through all the classrooms and learning spaces the night before school begins, after everyone has left the building.
What’s your favorite school lunch?
Fish sticks and tater tots.
