Message from Mirko Chardin - October 2019

Message from Mirko Chardin - October 2019
Posted on 10/21/2019
staffThe crispness of the New England Fall weather is upon us as we fully settle into the launch of the 2019-2020 school year. 


September was an amazing month for our school community as we welcomed our new 6th grade students and returning 7th, and 8th students through community building, reviewing expectations and goal setting. We celebrated the beginning of our journey this year through grade level town halls and an energetic whole-school assembly. Students enthusiastically participated in our school cheer and were regaled with skits by teachers from each grade team and specialists. Watching the students’ joy, pride and ownership of their Putnam Ave. identity was heartwarming. Even our 8th annual back to school night/community cookout could not be stifled by the rain as we still had a dynamic turnout of over 400 students and families! I am thankful to be a part of such an amazing school community.

During the summer months, I was afforded three humbling opportunities to share about our work at Putnam Ave. First, I was a keynote speaker at the California Professional Learning Institute in Long Beach California, attended by over 4000 school leaders. Then, I was the opening keynote speaker for the Holyoke Public School District, and North Andover Public Schools. Across the Commonwealth and nationally, people are aware of our amazing school community and of the powerful work that we are engaged in.

mirko and special guestWe also recently hosted, 
Dr. Aprille Ericsson, who in addition to being a former Cambridge resident, is a NASA Business Lead Manager, Aerospace Engineer (Rocket Scientist), Academic, and has been an Adjunct Professor at 
the University of Maryland, 
Bowie State University, and Howard University. Her list of accomplishments is endless, 
and during her time with our students, Dr. Ericsson spoke 
of her Cambridge roots and 
her journey to becoming a 
rocket scientist.

At Putnam Ave. our vision is that all students are headed toward the 
Good Life--that is, we believe that our students will be college-ready and will become successful and contributing members of society with the best possible quality of life no matter their circumstance. Throughout the school year, we guide all our students to envision and work towards defining what a Good Life means to them. Dr. Ericsson not only embodied the Good Life, she also urged students to spend time thinking about what they want to be and what the path is in order to get them there. She specifically emphasized the importance of Math and Science--both in terms of the pathway to college and their future careers.

future leaderAll in all, our school year is off to an amazing start!

Thank you for being a member of the Putnam Avenue Upper School Community and thank you for making this a wonderful place to learn, work, and grow.

Fondly,

M

Mirko Chardin, 
Founding Head of School
Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.