New Director of Athletics, Heath and Wellness excited

Published in the August 19, 2015 edition

(The following is a message from Brendan Kent, Wakefield Public Schools K-12 Director of Athletics, Health and Wellness that appeared on the Wakefield Warrior Club website)
WAKEFIELD — Hello to all. I am very excited about the start of the 2015-2016 school year. Since accepting this position, everyone from school administration, staff, coaches and members of the student body have extended a warm welcome.
I have also been very fortunate to have multiple opportunities to start meeting various members of the Wakefield School community. I was honored to be invited as a special guest at a recent Wakefield Warrior Club meeting and had the great pleasure of meeting the entire Wakefield School Committee at one of their final meetings of the school year.
I also felt fortunate to be able to participate in the recent “Warrior Pride Night” where I began to introduce myself to many of the families in town. Every interaction has been a positive and productive experience.
Looking forward, my first official day was on July 20. Fortune has afforded me the opportunity to spend the first couple of weeks learning and working alongside Hall of Fame Warrior, Mike Boyages. Rarely does life offer an opportunity to drink directly from the fountain of knowledge and I intend to take full advantage of this gift.
My calendar is already filling up with MIAA, MSSADA (Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association) and Adapted Physical Education Workshops. Sprinkle in School District Leadership Team meetings, getting to know staff and coaches and preparing for the upcoming fall sports seasons and you have a complete picture of my first 100 days as your new K-12 Director of Athletics, Health and Wellness.
I am confident that there will be a smooth transition and that I will be fully prepared for the start of the 2015-2016 school year when it arrives. I have a great support staff of experienced administrators around me and I also have a great staff of teachers and coaches that I will be working with. I am very thankful for their support and I look forward to working with them to preserve and enhance the Wakefield Public Schools’ educational experience.
As far as my philosophy, developing strong positive relationships with the students and their families has always been one of my top priorities. I feel very strongly about creating a family atmosphere in schools and involving parents in their child’s educational experiences. I plan on being very visible at school and athletic events; so please do not hesitate to come up and introduce yourself to me.
As the high school athletic director, every team in every sport will be a priority. As K-12 Director of Physical Education, Health and Wellness, I look to create additional health-enhancing activities and programs for our elementary and middle school students. Developing the minds and bodies of our students is priority one.
In closing, I am extremely grateful for all of the support that I have received, especially from Dr. Stephen Zrike, Superintendent Kim Smith, Principal Richard Metropolis and Retiring K-12 Director of Athletics, Health and Wellness, Mike Boyages. I thank them for entrusting me with such an important role and I look forward to a long career here in Wakefield. Go Warriors!
Thank you and have a great summer,
Brendan Kent
K-12 Director of Athletics, Health and Wellness