By Adam Swift
A familiar face is returning to the Winthrop Public Schools as the new Director of Pupil Personnel Services.
Monday night, the school committee approved the selection of former Winthrop teacher Susan Gibbons as the new director. The district can now enter into contract negotiations with Gibbons, with an expected start date for her of July 1.
“Susan is a lifelong resident of Winthrop, and both of her children attended and graduated from the Winthrop Public Schools,” said Superintendent of Schools Lisa Howard. “Susan has over 25 years of experience in the field of special education, serving as a special education teacher in the past, and as a coordinator and a team chair in the communities of Saugus, Marblehead, Winthrop and most recently as the coordinator of preschool services for the city of Somerville.”
Howard said Gibbons expressed her desire to return to Winthrop as the special education director of pupil personnel services, where she plans to continue to champion the needs of students with varying abilities and continue the commitment of developing inclusive programs.
“Susan’s understanding of the value of collaborative leadership, coupled with her dedication to creating environments where every student is empowered to succeed make her a great fit to our current leadership team,” said Howard.
The Director of Pupil Personnel Services position, similar to the superintendent, business manager, and assistant superintendent positions, requires a vote of the school committee.
“I believe Susan’s skill set is going to work great, she is familiar with the school system, she is obviously in town,” said Council President and school committee member Jim Letterie. “It is a very challenging … a very demanding job and I’m sure there will be resources for her there, too. I think Susan is going to hit the ground running and the skill set is matched perfectly for the district.”
Echoes of Valor: A Boston concert commemorates 250 years of service and sacrifice
Special to the Transcript
Boston will come alive with the sound of patriotism this June 17 as the city hosts “Echoes of Valor,” a powerful tribute to 250 years of American service and sacrifice. This free public event honors both the founding of the United States Army and the Battle of Bunker Hill, two defining moments in the nation’s history.
The evening features a rousing concert by the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus at the Hatch Memorial Shell, offering a moving program of patriotic music, ceremonial tributes, and military pageantry.
Schedule of Events
• 6:00 PM – Ceremonial Procession
Begins at the Edward Everett Statue in the Boston Public Garden. The procession route includes Arlington Street and the Arthur Fiedler Footbridge, leading to the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade.
• 7:00 PM – Concert Begins
The concert will include stirring musical selections, military flyovers, cannon salutes, and remarks by civic and military leaders—all honoring America’s enduring legacy of service.
Presented in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Veterans Services, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Massachusetts National Guard, and State Police), the City of Boston (Veterans Services and Boston Police Department), and a wide coalition of federal officials, military personnel, and historic and patriotic organizations—including AHAC, MASSAR, MASSDAR, NSCAR, and Friends of Lafayette.
This event is free and open to the public. All are warmly encouraged to attend and take part in this evening of reflection, honor, and celebration.