Boston's "Golden Era" 1995-2005
In the context of big-city school systems, beset as they are by the challenges of budget, leadership stability, struggling families, political in-fighting, union-management disaccord and the legacy of racism and poverty, Boston experienced what one might call a decade of unique opportunity and favorable circumstances. From 1995-2005 the city was home to a ground-breaking union contract, the schools had the support and attention of a new, “Education Mayor”, and perhaps most importantly, enjoyed a virtually unprecedented sense of continuity with the tenure of Thomas Payzant, a highly-respected superintendent and former Assistant Secretary of Education. A new School Committed, appointed by the Mayor, was anxious to bring the city’s policies in line with a recently-passed state Education Reform Act and to help counter any potential impact from the new Charter
Knowing Names
"Hello, I was wondering how my son is doing at school today. He had a really rough morning before leaving the house." A parent called to inquire about her child on the second day of school. I responded with "Let me take a peek in his classroom. Hold on." She didn’t tell me her child’s name, but I knew it and where to find him. What I love about Mission Hill School is that I know everyone's name. That was written by one of our teachers in a recent newsletter column. That’s something I love too about our school community.
It’s always been part of our school culture to know each other well. It’s important to recognize that knowing one another does not happen by chance. There is intention be
