Winthrop Students and Teachers Report Back to School

In the final weeks before starting school, students finally look at the summer reading list, shop last-minute for supplies, and consult with their friends on the back-to-school clothing trend. For John Macero, who is beginning his second year as Superintendent of Winthrop schools, the back-to-school agenda entails a little more than setting the alarm clock.

“We have about 2,000 students enrolled and there’s an increase in our enrollment. We’ve got probably 13 new teachers and two new assistant principals,” said Macero.

The superintendent promised that the school department will continue to promote high standards and expectations, supportive school cultures, small learning communities, a focused curriculum, and community engagement in order to ensure that students receive the best education they can.

Macero wants parents to be involved this school year, encouraging them to attend meetings. Every other Thursday, starting on September 6, the school building committee will meet regarding  the construction of a new high school or combined middle and high school.

Macero believes everything is moving along quickly and efficiently, and is excited for the official start of school on Friday, September 7. For a few days before, teachers will be gearing up for a successful year by undergoing some professional development. The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has introduced new evaluation protocols for teachers to help them better understand, prepare for, and administer the use of the new protocols throughout the 2012-2013 school year.

And while Macero is thrilled to charter the academic careers of all incoming students, he is most excited about Winthrop High School’s solid senior class. “We have an exciting senior class that is very strong academically and we look forward to them continuing on,” he said. For more information on the upcoming 2012-2013 academic year, visit http://winthrop.k12.ma.us/