Rotary Spoke 12 12 16

Posted by Frank Smith on Dec 12, 2016
 

Superintendent of Lexington Public Schools Dr. Mary A. Czajkowski, Ed.D. Speaks to Rotary.

 
December 12th was seasonably cold and slushy. We were treated to a delicious meal of salmon, broccoli, potatoes, Caesar salad and fruit salad. Seventeen Rotarians and 1 guest joined were in attendance. Our esteemed guest was President Elect Lori’s son, Ethan. The pledge of allegiance was led by Terry W, one verse of God Bless America by Charlie V and a beautiful invocation was given by PDG Jack M. The welcome song was lead by Charlie V.
 
Happy dollars were in abundance.
  • Allan A was very happy to announce (via Pres Susan) that he is now the proud grandfather to a baby girl, Amelia.
  • I matched his happy dollars as my wife, May, had the pleasure of supervising the epidural and being the anesthesiologist of record for the delivery.
  • PP Spencer B was happy that his daughter (8yo) wife (??? yo) had birthdays last week.
  • PP Nick C was happy to be back from knee surgery (and we are happy to have him back) and paid a “fine” for missing so many meetings in which he would normally be filling our coffers with happy dollars.
  • Speaking of PP Nick, PP Don M was happy to get a Groupon for a gorgeous Christmas tree at Wagon Wheel Nursery.
  • PP Murry tried to fine each club member a dollar for the unusually poor (even by our standards) rendition of Good Bless America. However, after due deliberation, the club in its infinite wisdom determined that the fault was in the voice of the finer and made Murry pay the fine.
  • PP Jim F had happy dollars for all the toys that members donated to Toys for Tots. (see picture below)
 
P Elect Lori presented (with happy dollars) her slate of officers for the coming year and the club unanimously approved the nominations. Next year’s officers and board members will be:
  • President: Lori M
  • P Elect: Michelle G
  • Treasurer: PP Dan B
  • Secretary: Terry W
  • SAA: Allan A
  • Members at Large: Jim T and PP Frank S
 
President Susan shared the sad news that PP Jim Shaw’s mother passed away this past week. Visiting hours will be Thursday from 4-8 PM at Douglas Funeral Home and the funeral will be Friday at 10 AM at St Brigid’s Church. DOROTHY M. (CANFIELD) SHAW (click for obit).
 
President Susan read thank you notes from the Stop Hunger Now program for our donation of $2000 and from the Lexington Food Pantry for our donation of canned goods that were collected at the Stop Hunger Now event.
 
Raffle donations were made by Peoples United Bank and Bickling Financial
 
Our speaker was Lexington School Superintendent, Dr. Mary A. Czajkowski, Ed.D.  Mary is now in her second year in Lexington and spoke of how privileged she feels to be able to oversee a school system in a town that so highly values education and achievement at all levels. Ninety-seven percent of LHS students go on to college, 100 percent pass the MCAS and we rank number 2 in the state on the MCAS scores.
 
The highly competitive and achievement driven environment however does create stress. Surveys have shown that LHS students are more stressed and more likely to consider suicide than the average student in Massachusetts. Mary has instituted initiatives to help mitigate stress as well as to identify and counsel students at risk of harming themselves.
 
Another problem facing the town and schools in the growing enrollment of 4% annually. This has resulted in shortages of classroom space and the need to update, expand and rebuild schools. The Hastings elementary school will be rebuilt and talks are underway regarding rebuilding the high school and how best to finance these building projects.
 
Mary also spoke to the challenges created by the changing demographics in the schools, with the current enrollment of 34% Asian students. Cultural differences in the approach to education, academic priorities and parental involvement in the education process have created challenges. Mary is working closely with all the ethnic groups in town to improve the dialogue and interactions.
 
Mary is clearly passionate about education and creating a whole child, not just a brilliant child. I think that our school system and most importantly, the students, are in good hands with her at the helm.
 
Next week is our annual holiday party. Please bring full wallets or checkbooks. President Susan noted that we are all blessed to have a roof over our heads and food on our table. Many in our community are not so fortunate. Therefore, money raised at this year’s holiday party will be divided between the Pine Street Inn and the Lexington Food Pantry. I look forward to seeing you all there.
 
The 50:50 raffle was for $50 and was won by PDG Jack M, who as usual, donated the winnings to the club.
 
Toys 4 Tots Donations from Our Club
Keep warm
PP FS
 
As a special favor to one of our past speakers, Care Dimensions, we are posting the following out-reach request;
Care Dimensions is in need of volunteers for our Hospice patients! Volunteers are ordinary people making extraordinary differences in the lives of our patients.  No matter what your skills, talents, or motivation, we have a volunteer opportunity for you! Our next training starts soon so please contact Sr. Volunteer Coordinator, Jane Corrigan at 781-373-6574 or jcorrigan@caredimensions.org for more information.