LYNNFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Coordinator Morgan Festa enjoyed creating Springfest programs for youngsters, from left, Ava Ashe, Quinn Laskey, Dominic Polcari, Chloe Burke, Andrew Park, Remi Mackor and Liam O’Neill last week. (Courtesy Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — A Lynnfield High School graduate has been appointed as Lynnfield Community Schools’ new coordinator.
Interim Superintendent Tom Geary recently appointed longtime Community Schools instructor Morgan Festa as LCS’ new coordinator. She succeeded former Coordinator Katie Darragh, who was named as the School Department’s payroll and benefits administrator earlier this academic year.
“Morgan is no stranger to Lynnfield, as she has led various successful summer programs for Community Schools over the years,” said Geary in an interview with the Villager. “During the interview process, her focus on the overall student experience and vision for potential future programming opportunities shined through. Morgan was a third grade teacher in Burlington for seven years, and she also began her educational career as a paraprofessional at the Summer Street School, so she has a well rounded classroom background. I’m very excited for the future of Community Schools with Morgan leading our programs.
Festa said she is “so excited to be appointed as the LCS coordinator.”
“Working for Community Schools in the summers has always been so much fun,” said Festa. “I am so excited to be here full-time. It has always been a goal of mine to work in Lynnfield after having such an amazing educational experience growing up here myself.”
Festa recalled that she worked as an LCS instructor at Summer of Fun Activities (SOFA) camps for over 12 years.
“In my experience, I have directed programs with kids from early childhood to high school,” said Festa. “I have led students in various summer programs, after-school programs and theater productions.”
Before being appointed as Lynnfield Community Schools’ coordinator, Festa worked as an elementary school teacher.
“I previously taught as an elementary school teacher in Burlington,” said Festa. “I taught various grade levels throughout the years, first, second and third, and really enjoyed getting to know students’ interests and what they are engaged in before and after-school.”
Festa said she will be continuing Lynnfield Community Schools’ tradition of offering a wide variety of programs for students and families.
“My goals are to continue to run and create programs that families in Lynnfield are excited about,” said Festa. “I have seen the growth of Lynnfield Community Schools over the years, and want to continue to make it a success. Another goal is to get more familiar faces working with Community Schools. Students love doing programs taught by teachers they know. I would also love to create more programs where the whole family can participate. Be on the lookout for some family events this fall.”
Festa is also gearing up for SOFA camps this summer.
“Registration is open for SOFA 2024,” said Festa. “Check out over 100 different programs on our website at https://sites.google.com/lynnfield.k12.ma.us/community-schools.”
Festa recalled that she grew up in Lynnfield, and graduated from LHS as a member of the Class of 2011.
“I had an amazing experience growing up in Lynnfield,” said Festa. “I attended Summer Street, and both the middle and high schools. The main activities I was involved in were cheerleading, basketball and track. I remember having so much fun attending the SOFA programs in the summer myself, and I am excited to make similar experiences for the kids attending currently.”
Festa said the LCS office is located adjacent to the Lynnfield High cafeteria. Residents can access the office via the teachers’ and staff parking lot.
“My door is always open,” said Festa. “I am always open to feedback or suggestions about how our programs are running. I am looking forward to meeting families and creating relationships to continue the success of LCS.”
Festa is Lynnfield Community Schools’ third coordinator in the past year. Former Coordinator Sarah Perkins resigned last spring after leading the program for three years. Darragh succeeded Perkins late last year before she was named as the school system’s payroll and benefits administrator.
