Published in the April 13, 2017 edition
DEDICATED PARENTS Suzanne Shaffer (second from left) and Christine Hatch (center) were presented awards of appreciation during a recent School Committee meeting for supporting the maker space at the Hood School. The ceremony featured, from left, fourth grade teacher Whitney Cleary, Shaffer, Hatch, Hood School Principal Glen McKay and School Committee Chairman Cliff Bowers. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
NORTH READING — The School Committee recently presented awards of appreciation to five community members who have helped make the Hood School a better place.
Hood School Principal Glen McKay said the awards of appreciation recognize the “accomplishments and work” undertaken by community members, which in turn have made a positive impact on the elementary school.
“We have a lot of different things going on at the Hood School,” said McKay. “And a simple thank you goes a long way. Nothing would be possible without the parent involvement at the school.”
School Committee Chairman Cliff Bowers and McKay first presented awards to parents Suzanne Shaffer and Christine Hatch. McKay said the two parents serve as liaisons for the Hood School’s Creative Station, which is the elementary school’s maker space.
“We have a maker space study group, where people work together to brainstorm and come up with ideas in order to create a better experience for our kids,” said McKay. “We invited parents to be part of our study group, and Mrs. Hatch and Mrs. Shaffer have taken it to the next level. They have helped us restock, organize and research any grants to help support the space.”
After Bowers and McKay presented the awards to Hatch and Shaffer, the two parents were given a round of applause.
Parents Gretchen Daley and Ann Eng were also presented awards of appreciation by Bowers and McKay. McKay said Daley and Eng launched a “modified BOKS (Build Our Kids’ Success) program” a couple of years ago. The program is a before school exercise and nutrition program.
EXERCISE ENTHUSIASTS Gretchen Daley (left) and Ann Eng (second from left) were presented with awards of appreciation for launching the BOKS program at the Hood School during a recent School Committee meeting. The ceremony included, from left, Daley, Eng, Hood School physical education teacher Matthew Quinlan, Hood School Principal Glen McKay and School Committee Chairman Cliff Bowers. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
“The BOKS program is a morning opportunity for students to exercise,” said McKay. “It’s the belief that working out in the morning will help students achieve their goals. We have gotten great feedback from teachers and students.”
McKay said in an email the BOKS program’s activities on Tuesdays pertain to exercise and nutrition. He said the Hound Dog Hustlers running group meets on Thursdays before school.
During last week’s School Committee meeting, Hood School physical education teacher Matthew Quinlan said the BOKS program is “a lot of fun.”
“The kids have a blast doing it,” said Quinlan.
McKay noted the BOKS program has expanded greatly since Daley and Eng helped introduce the program.
After McKay and Eng were presented with the awards of appreciation, they were given a round of applause.
McKay was scheduled to present an award of appreciation to Fit Revolution owner Michelle O’Connor, but she was unable to attend the meeting due to a scheduling conflict. He said she donated new basketball backboards to the Hood School, which cost around $1,600.
According to McKay, O’Connor does not have children attending the Hood School but “coaches youth basketball at the school.”
Bowers thanked the four parents and O’Connor “for all of the good work” they do for the Hood School.
