To the editor:
It has been a year unlike any other. A year filled with so much change and so much heartache. Yet, as a community, we were able to witness the growth of compassion within so many.
Returning to a year ago, many children of our community made signs to hang from their windows with words of kindness and thanks to all those who protect and encourage them. From first responders to nurses, from teachers to grocery store clerks, the children of our town thanked them all.
Our children are our greatest teachers, because they are born humble, inclusive, and active listeners to the world around them. With that, the adults making decisions for them should embody these same characteristics.
We will preface this letter in stating that each member of the Lynnfield public school staff deserves every single ounce of praise and respect for the job they have done for their students, for our children.
The Lynnfield teachers’ level of commitment to our children has been beyond measure. We, as a family, are eternally grateful. Working in the special education department of a public school, I (Courtney) have lived the long hours of remote planning, the difficult conversations with parents regarding student progress, and the yearning for just a touch of normalcy for children during this academic year.
It is evident that COVID-19 has affected every member of our school community differently. Throughout this time, the School Committee appeared composed under the circumstances. It is imperative that we all understand that the ability of the School Committee to remain calm was a privilege due to their access to the information that we, as parents, were not yet aware.
Over months, it became evident that there was a need for greater transparency and collaboration within our school community, so we could all maintain composure during turbulent times.
Two community members have chosen to stand up and help our community move forward, and the citizens of Lynnfield can stand behind them. It is with great excitement and anticipation that we support Kate DePrizio and Brian Charville for the privileged positions of School Committee members. Their respective abilities and experiences will offer a renewed energy to the School Committee.
Kate’s compassion is what we yearn for in a leader. She has led the “Together We Grow” School Expansion Committee with education and tenacity. Kate has worked tirelessly as a member of the Parent-Teacher Organizations at both Tower Day School and Huckleberry Hill School, forging strong relationships between school staff and parents. She is the epitome of inclusivity and is the exact representative that any parent would want in a collaboration between the home and school environments.
Brian’s leadership skills are evident in his laser-sharp focus and confident interactions as chairman of the Planning Board. As I (Michael) have clearly witnessed from our professional interactions, Brian exercises sound judgment and discretion when assessing issues pertinent to our community. His ability to communicate openly for the betterment of our community is second-to-none.
Brian’s detail-oriented and unbiased nature has resulted in great personal and professional success. These character traits will ultimately be an asset to the School Committee.
Kate DePrizio and Brian Charville, both individually and together, embody the inclusivity and compassion that our community clung to a year ago when our world turned upside down. Brian and Kate are transparent communicators and active listeners, who will consistently recognize the privilege associated with being a member of the School Committee.
Courtney and Michael McKelvey
Lynnfield
