Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.

Richard takes 'never give up' approach to high school

Date: 7/22/2010

July 21, 2010

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor

WEST SPRINGFIELD -- To say West Springfield High School's newest principal, Michael Richard, is enthusiastic about his latest job would be an understatement.

He hit the ground running during his first week of July 12, setting priorities and establishing an environment for student development. Richard's philosophy: never, ever give up.

"One of the greatest things I can bring is some positive culture. In Belchertown, [where I was assistant principal of the high school], we turned out some successful kids over there and I hope for that over here. Success is contagious," Richard said.

He noted a top priority is to reduce the school's dropout rate.

"I don't want [students] to throw their arms up and give up on us ... we're never going to give up on kids," Richard said. "We all can make choices. The last choice I want anyone to have is to quit and I'm not going to be a leader of quitters. If somebody drops out it is their choice, not one that we've made for them."

He explained there will be an emphasis on internal suspension as opposed to external so that students remain under the tutelage of faculty.

Interim Superintendent Russell Johnston said he's asked Richard to hone in on the causes for the dropout rate and "reconnect with youth" to maintain their classroom participation.

Richard said other priorities include a renewal of the school's accreditation, building a new facility and establishing a familial environment.

"We have to make everyone feel like family. I see how much people in this building and the community care about the kids and we're going to improve that and continue to grow on that," he explained.

Richard said he's ready and willing to go the distance, looking as his new post not as a stepping stone but as the pinnacle of his career. "This is a commitment that I made to the [former] Superintendent [Suzanne Marotta] and the School Committee," he added.

"For me," he said, "it is really an opportunity [with] a school that's looking for some change. It's a place where I can leave a mark and stay and grow and give the people of the community some stability ... We're going to make the community proud of what West Springfield High School has to offer."