Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
| By Paula Canning Staff Writer CHICOPEE With the city's schools getting ready to open their doors to students on Sept. 6, newly appointed Superintendent of Chicopee Public Schools Richard Rege, Jr. is looking toward the upcoming school year with confidence. "I'm very optimistic," he said. "Things are going very well and it's been a very smooth transition." He said that "everyone has been very forthcoming in terms of transitional information and helping me to feel at home." According to Rege, the start of a position such as Superintendent marks an initial learning period for the newcomer. "I think when anyone first steps into office the first 30 to 100 days are just getting your feet wet, and getting acclimated to a number of different programs that you may not have intimate knowledge of," he said. He also said, "With every day that I spend in this position I become more and more comfortable with the processes and protocol that you can only truly understand once you step into the office." As far as teaching positions are concerned, he the district is in "pretty good shape." He said although there are still some teaching positions left to fill, "we're looking forward to a smooth opening." In terms of priorities, top on Rege's list will be examining the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) scores from 2005, which he said are expected to arrive some time in the next few weeks. "That will form the initial job for the beginning of the year," he said. In response to an evaluation of the MCAS scores, he said he will be looking at the overall weaknesses and strengths of the students, making observations, and drafting detailed plans on how the district is going to move forward in areas that require extra attention. The district may also be moving forward with plans for a possible virtual high school. "That's something that would be up and coming," he said. Also in the future is the possible use of Connect-ED, an outbound communication tool that enable districts to distribute thousands of personalized voice communications to parents and staff within minutes. "It would allow the school to reach out to every family by telephone in the case of an emergency or for just an announcement about report cards or events," he said. Rege said he is hoping to continue with the Reading First program, an initiative launched under former Superintendent Basan Nembirkow. "This is a pretty solid district," he said. "The challenge for me, along with the teachers and staff, is going to be bringing it to the next level of excellence." |