New principal shares vision for challenging times
With a new principal leading the way at Avalon School there is a chance to build new connections between the students, faculty, staff and the community. New principal Miruna O. Lascar spoke briefly to the Avalon City Council on Oct. 20 to share the school’s vision and thank the council and city for the support that has been available during challenging times.
Though she did not have time to share all the events so far this year during her public statement time, Lascar said prior that the school was able to host a community meeting prior to the start of school, as well as two virtual Back To School Nights (secondary and elementary). The school has also held picture day, materials distribution and expectations assemblies for all grade levels, including transitional kindergarten.
The school has also reached out to parents for feedback on how they can serve the community. According to Lascar, the response has been big and the support very helpful. She noted that community groups like the Mariner’s Foundation, PTA and Rotary Club have helped in fundraisers and supply drives, which help the students most in need get valuable resources. She has also noted the city’s help in providing child care, that not only allows parents to get back to work, but also provides critical support for students.
“That is such a feat to undertake and it has been tremendously helpful,” Lascar said prior to the council meeting.
Lascar was accompanied at the meeting by the school’s new Dean of Students, Emma Peguero, who spoke briefly about the students. With the unprecedented new obstacles that have come with the pandemic, figuring out what kind of support each student needs has become particularly challenging.
“It’s a whole bunch of different challenges that our students have been faced with from our little kindergartener’s, all the way up,” Peguero told the council.
Challenges can range from technical, computer access or internet connection, to social and emotional. Lascar said that those different challenges produce an equity gap, as each student might need support in vastly different areas. That remains a priority for teachers and staff, she said, but will be a challenge.
“It remains to be seen how that equity gap plays out,” Lascar said.
Teacher and boys basketball coach Stephen Hall was at the council meeting to introduce the school’s new leader. He noted that his career at the school has been with nine different principals and that so far, he is predicting a successful run.
“They (leadership team) have gotten off to a great start and we want to help them continue on that positive ride,” Hall told the council.
