Newburyport School Honors Four

NEWBURYPORT – Three elementary school students and one teacher were honored last week for demonstrating leadership.
School Supt. Sean Gallagher told the school committee members, “We will be hearing from these students again.” The students in the second and third grades have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.
Juliet Swift, a second grader at Bresnahan School was described as a hard worker in class who is always looking for ways to improve. “She is very wise,” Gallagher said.
The superintendent said he was “excited” to tell Penelope Misa’s story. The second grader came with her family in September from New Zealand when her father was transferred by his company. Gallagher said in addition to making an incredible transition to a new school culture, “she is the first to help her friends. She demonstrates grace and perseverance in the classroom.” She is making a video of her classroom to share with students in New Zealand.
Grant Winters, nominated by the recess monitor Marge Winterhouse, was honored for his sportsmanship. He is known to design plays when playing football to make sure students who have not touched a ball get involved in the game. “He never says I, always we,” Gallagher said.
Matt Valle, a physical education and wellness teacher, was honored as a “fantastic role model” for students. He has created a mentorship program aimed at students who are introverted and quiet, “the students who might be falling between the cracks,” Valle said.
“This is truly a case of a staff member going above and beyond,” Gallagher said.