Dedham Middle School’s new principal Debra Gately talks with the Dedham Transcript about the job and her vision for the school.
Q: How has the first month of school gone for you?
A: The first month of school has been amazing. I have had a fantastic time getting to know the faculty, students and families of the middle school. Each day I am impressed by the level of commitment and effort put forth by the faculty and students and the support provided by our families.
Q: What are your goals for this year?
A: Besides becoming acclimated to the school community, additional goals include:
- Addressing the results of the recently released MCAS data and introducing professional development and supports to our students and faculty. Dedham Middle School has traditionally performed well, however, each year the “bar” is raised higher, and we need to focus on the standards, areas and sub-groupings in which we need to improve.
- Working effectively with the (school’s) parent group, Dedham Educational Foundation, Dedham Educational Partnership, the Dedham Youth Commission and our School Council to identify needs and establish programs at the middle school.
- Working within the school and district to address the self-study information that will need to be completed for our (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) re-accreditation, which will take place in 2010-2011.
Q: How does the culture of Dedham Middle School differ from that of the two Waltham middle schools where you were assistant principal the past few years?
A: Demographically, Dedham and Waltham are very similar. Although both of my former schools were new in construction, the greatest difference I have found in Dedham is that when the middle school was built, it is evident that educators had a huge influence in the needs of the building. From the state-of-the art facilities in preparing our students with 21st-century skills to the beautiful auditorium, our students in the middle school are given opportunities that most students don’t get until college. Culturally speaking, I am thrilled to find that the faculty and families are very much in line with my philosophy on providing the best possible opportunities for our students both academically and socially.
Q: How much do you miss Waltham?
A: To be honest, because I still live in the community, I don’t miss it nearly as much as I thought I would. I am in constant contact with many of the people with whom I used to work because of the friendships established over 16 years. I am so busy every day that I am in Dedham, that I really don’t have time to miss much.
Dedham Transcript staff writer Edward B. Colby can be reached at 781-433-8336 or ecolby@cnc.com.
