Lynn parents will drive Ford improvements

LYNN – Joanne LaRivee finished up her first week as the Robert L. Ford Elementary School?s new principal last Friday by outlining her plans to reach out to Ford parents and find out how they want to improve the Highlands school.She plans to launch a parental survey, and she looks forward to meeting parents during Jan. 28 report card conferences in addition to the ones she met this week.?I want to see what the school should develop to reach out to them. So far, it?s been a positive experience,” LaRivee said.A Lawrence native with 39 years experience in education, LaRivee on Nov. 30 accepted School Superintendent Dr. Catherine Latham?s invitation to leave her job as assistant principal at South Lawrence East Middle School and come to Ford.She said the similarities between Lawrence and Lynn made the Ford job an interesting challenge. She is getting to know Ford?s 515 students and 40 employees, including teachers and support staff.LaRivee taught third grade and seventh grade for 13 years. She has also worked as an elementary curriculum facilitator and has a strong background in instructional technology and urban school leadership.First grade teacher Crowley Mendes? students pleasantly surprised LaRivee at the end of last week when LaRivee found them neatly lined up in a Ford hallway.?Give yourselves a pat on the back,” LaRivee told the students.She said she is interested in spending time with parents who stop by the school and knows Ford has a history of involved parents who are committed to improving the school.