RENÉ M. LAFAYETTE
Building School -
Community Relations
Among 21st Century Skills, educators are asked to build school-community relations, to go beyond the four walls of the classroom, indeed to go beyond the campus and into the community. What we teach students is linked to our community's future and that of our state and Nation. Throughout my career in education I have promoted students, faculty and schools themselves through local media. Positive news stories have built a reservoir of good will in the community and have made a difference in the lives of students, the goal of any educator.
Student Inspired to Write Book
Holly Cormier, above right, is a LHS/CTEi Class of 2013 graduate. As a second semester senior she was an independent study student of Sandra Cucchiara, above left, LHS English Dept. head.
Holly's project was a reinterpretation of European fairy tales using modern language and symbolism. I suggested that she present her work in a nontraditional way, by writing a book! Using software that I recommended, Ms. Cormier did just that and presented a copy of "Into the Forest" her first book to her inspiration, Mrs. Cucchiara.
Recognizing the Support of Raytheon Retirees for the Future
For the past 10 years Raytheon Retirees have financially supported the CTEi Robotics Team. Additionally, every year they provide a scholarship to voc tech students.
This year, their efforts were recognized publicly with a news release and photograph that appeared in the local media.
Promoting Voc Tech Education: CTEi Open House
Leominster's Center for Technical Education Innovation (CTEi) opens its doors annually to incoming students and their parents to provide them with an overview of the programs they offer.
In keeping with John Dewey's philosophy of "learning by doing" CTEi students and instructors present information on shops ranging from Health Assisting to Culinary Arts, pictured above.
Vietnam Vet Shares Experiences With Students
While teaching at Northbridge HS, I invited James Stacey of Leominster, the uncle of a student in my American Studies II class to speak. in conjunction with our studying the Vietnam era he graciously agreed to share his experiences as a member of the US Army's famed First Calvary Division.
For nearly an hour, he kept the class spell-bound with stories of duty, honor, country...all seen through the prism of a 19 year old's eyes. Now 25+ years later, Stacey shared the impact of the war on his life.
For his service and generous sharing of time with my students, he received a certificate of appreciation from Northbridge High School.