MIDDLETOWN
STANDARD VOLUME 1 / NO. 3 October 2002
BUILDING A LEARNING COMMUNITY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
Middletown Says Goodbye to Dr. Mara
Dr. Ed Mara, Director of Instruction & Support Services for Middletown Public Schools, left our district on October 15th to take a position as Assistant Superintendent for the Bristol-Warren Schools. Dr. Mara has been an integral part of Middletown Public Schools since he was appointed in September, 1999. He was instrumental in facilitating the development and implementation of a standards-based teacher evaluation in the district; acted as Department Chair for Special Education at the High School; supported the “Principles of Learning” in the district; supported the integration of School to Career through the E.S.C.A.L.A.T.E.S. grant; secured funds such as the IREAD for training and materials; and fulfilled numerous other responsibilities. Dr. Mara’s booming voice, enthusiastic personality and continuing support will be sorely missed in the corridors of our schools and in our meetings. As someone said, “it will be easy to replace someone in the position, but Dr. Mara can’t be replaced.” We wish him a successful transition and tenure in his new position.
Saying Goodbye to a Wonderful Learning Community...
During my career I have been fortunate to meet many wonderful educators, parents, students and friends. It is not easy to say goodbye to a community and school district, where you have worked for three years and loved every day of being part of the “team”. However, opportunities do present themselves along the path of life and I have never been a person not to investigate the challenges that these opportunities unfold. It was after much thought that I chose to enter the arena yet again and seek yet another rung in my career ladder. As the Assistant Superintendent of a regional school district, many learning opportunities are available to place in my life’s portfolio. New friends and colleagues await, while I am so grateful to all the people that have helped me in this journey in education and very rewarding career.
My only hope is that I made a difference for the students of Middletown while I was there and assisted the learning community in the great work that is being done in Middletown everyday. You will always reach “higher standards”. My special thanks to the administrative team, the school committee, the principals, teachers, staff, students and parents for their support and commitment during my years in the district. Have a wonderful year and holiday season.
Ed