GREENFIELD — Despite a rainy start on Wednesday, students and administrators share “a lot of excitement” over starting a new school year.
“We’re very excited to welcome new students and new staff,” said Superintendent Christine DeBarge.
Greenfield High School Principal Derek Morrison echoed that sentiment, adding he was ready to “build off the success” of last year and “move the school forward.”
In the year ahead, DeBarge said educators will be focused on the goals and priorities identified in the district’s strategic plan, which was approved by the School Committee in June. Some elements of the plan include providing students with “high-quality instructional programs,” building and maintaining “strong relationships through communication and outreach,” and ensuring the district offers a “welcoming environment” for all students to learn.
“We’ve already started that through focused professional development,” DeBarge said. “That’s something to look forward to. It’s going to be very busy.”
School officials also plan to make progress on re-imagining the facilities, a process that kicked off again in August 2022 after being put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, officials are exploring the potential for redrawing the district map to allow for greater equity across elementary schools, while also moving fifth grade to the elementary level and eighth grade to the middle school.
“We’re in the final stages of behind-the-scenes planning,” DeBarge said. “We need to be able to give the School Committee as much information as possible. I expect October or November … they’ll be able to make that decision. That’s exciting for me.”
For students — seniors, especially — the start of the new school year is particularly exciting.
“I’m looking forward to all the events we’re going to have planned,” said senior Ainslee Flynn. “I’m really looking forward to our pep rallies … and sports. I play field hockey.”
Flynn said she’s looking forward to football games on Friday nights and “just being back with everybody.”
“It has been an interesting four years of high school … but I’m glad we’re back on track,” she said.
Senior Brodie Gagne said while he’s looking forward to another year of sports, specifically hockey, he’s sad to know it will be his last.
“I’m kind of looking forward to it, but I don’t want it to go too fast,” he said.
Still, Gagne said he’s looking forward to graduation and moving on to college.
The upcoming year also marks the final year in public school administration for the district’s top administrator.
“It’s a very odd feeling,” said DeBarge, who will be retiring from the district at the conclusion of her three-year contract in 2024. “As I’m still 100% in, I’m giving a lot of my energy to doing the work and I very much would like to finish several things prior to the end of school, like resolving the redistricting situation, resolving what to do with [Green River School] … and I’m very much hoping to just enjoy the fun things at school.”
Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.