The President of Human Resources Outsourcing (HRO) , Renee Preston, who  is also an Italian chef, states that “appreciation is a fundamental human need.  Recognition is essential to ensure employees are engaged and productive.”  Unstated by the President is that recognition also creates that warm fuzzy feeling of belonging and respect, thereby creating a positive work environment, or in this case, a warm school climate.

Like a coronavirus, the recognition bug has lately infected Hartford Public Schools.  At the Hartford Board of Education’s Regular Meeting on March 21, the mood was comfortable.  During the Pubic Comment section of the meeting, John Walton, President of Hartford’s custodians, maintenance, and cafeteria workers union, rose to recognize Hartford Board of Education members.  Walton stated that “if we have the courage to say what’s wrong, we should have the courage to say what’s right.”  Walton ran down the list of Board members, praising each one for work they have accomplished while not seated at the Board of Education. 

Patricia Mack rose to thank the Board of Education for their assistance in the mural project for former Hartford Mayor Carrie Saxon Perry.  Ms. Mack has been at the Board’s Regular Meeting regularly since November looking for approved funds from a “Love Your Block” grant, funds needed to complete the Saxon Perry mural; “where is the money?”  Apparently, the red tape snapped and Ms. Mack received the money and the mural is scheduled for a June unveiling.  Ms. Mack also thanked Trinity College Student Aisha Carruthers, for her research on the former Mayor and for her speaking before the Board in February on behalf of the Mack group involved in the mural project.

While Board Member Escribano drank from a 2 gallon water jug at the board table, Michael Downs, President of the Hartford Federation of Substitute Teachers, downshifted the mood in the room as he requested recognition for his substitute teachers, who during this period of teacher shortages, have been working “week in and week out.”  Mr. Downs stated news articles concerning bonuses being given to retain educators, and he correctly feels that long-term subs ought to get similar recognition.

Carol Gale, President of the Hartford Federation of Teachers rose to give thanks to Madeline Negron for working with the union on next year’s school calendar.  Ms. Gale said union input was sought and acted on in the drafting of the calendar.  Ms. Gale also gave recognition to HFT 2nd Vice-President Stewart Beckford, who was the originator of the idea for HPS to expand their teacher recruitment efforts to the Caribbean.

Following the Public Comment, and following her issuing false information as to last month’s chronic absenteeism report, Superintendent Torres-Rodriguez had several “shout outs” to issue.  The Superintendent gave a shout-out to McDonough School for their “Walking School Bus Program.”  There was a shout-out given to school nurses, who “went above and beyond in keeping our students as healthy as possible."  The Superintendent gave a shout-out to University High for having the highest daily attendance among high schools in Hartford.

After issuing further BS concerning the “consistent reduction” in HPS chronic absenteeism, he Superintendent offered credit to her “school level attendance teams” and to the “system level” district teams for their work on the chronic absenteeism issue.  The Superintendent had a list of further shoutouts, which included several schools for spending ESSER (COVID relief money) funds as targeted, which if not done before September 2024, is currently required to be returned to Joe Biden.

The Superintendent finished by announcing that March was Board Member Appreciation Month, and she spoke on recognizing their “dedication” and “commitment” to HPS education and Board business in a “thankful job.”  With that, each Board member received a puke green gift bag.  I cannot confirm the rumor that the gifts were emblazoned with the Superintendent’s photo.

While not hearing the word “teacher” mentioned in any recognition or shout-out from the Board meeting, if we head over the HPS website, we note that it is time for the Teacher of the Year Awards and the Paraeducator of the Year Awards for Hartford Public Schools.

Thirty-eight teachers in Hartford are nominated for this year’s Teacher of the Year.  These teachers were nominated by their peers.  As the HPS website states, each nominee will be screened and interviewed by a Teacher of the Year Committee made up of HPS directors, members of the Hartford Federation of Teachers, and previous award winners.  Three finalists are then selected  and they will complete a series of written essay questions and submit a videotaped lesson for the final evaluation.  The winner will be announced on May 25, 2023, at the Hartford Downtown Marriott Hotel.  The list of this year’s nominees can be found at the Teacher of the Year link above.

There were 29 paraeducators nominated for Hartford’s Paraeducator of the Year.  From this group, a Top Twelve Nominees list was created, and the winner will be announced on May 3.  For a list of the entire field and the Top Twelve, visit this HPS link.

“Discomfort is important only when the mood is wrong.  Then you fasten on to whatever thing is uncomfortable and call that the cause.  But if the mood is right, then discomfort doesn’t mean much.” (Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance)