I thought it would be fun to do my first social distance interview blog with one of my closest and dearest friends. I became friends with Kate approximately fourteen years ago. We have been raising our children in Monson together since our daughters were born. Together we are passionate, competitive sports Moms, Coaches and Marathon Runners. I often go to Kate for life advice as she is one of the most loyal people I know. The best part is she has a big announcement and I am excited to help her spread her message and important goals for this town. Please read on...!
Question 1: What is your name, age, occupation, marital status, children etc.?
Answer: "My name is Kate Peterson, I am 35 years old and an Interventionist at a local public elementary school. My husband and I were both born and raised in Monson and grateful to be raising our three children here surrounded by family and friends in this community."
Question 2: Why did you choose education as your major?
Answer: "I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher. Almost every job I’ve had has revolved around kids: babysitting, camp counselor, before/after school programs, daycare provider, first grade teacher and now an interventionist. I have always enjoyed being a positive role model for children, and helping them to believe in themselves. I live for those “light bulb” moments with students and I’m so grateful to have a career that I am passionate about."
Question 3: Tell me your biggest success story related to your education career?
Answer: "I am most proud of where I am now in my education career. I have worked hard to educate myself in areas I am passionate about. One of those areas is early intervention. Too many students fall through the cracks because they did not receive the support needed to be successful. My greatest success stories come from helping struggling students find their voices and believe in themselves."
MY DRUM ROLL!!!!!!
Question 4: What is the sole reason you are running for school committee?
Answer: "I decided to run for the school committee in Monson for a few different reasons. First, it’s a great way to give back to my hometown that has offered me so many opportunities. Secondly, I hope to offer a teacher’s perspective, which is often overlooked but is crucial when making educational decisions. Finally, I hope to have a positive impact on students’ educational journey here in Monson."
Question 5: If you are elected a school committee member what are the top three things you want to immediately work on or change?
Answer: "If elected, I would look forward to being a part of conversations that will lead to decisions for how to best support students, families and educators in these challenging times. Now more than ever, we need to focus on equity issues that are embedded in many school systems and work together to insure that every students’ needs are being met. Some key aspects going forward would be to provide quality professional development for educators, support students' social emotional growth and to connect with our community's needs."
Question 6: If a student/child walked up to you asking for your advice and you only had a few minutes to give 'em your best tip, what would it be?
Answer: "Always be kind and try your best, these two things alone will get you far and will not go unnoticed by those who care."
Question 7: What challenges do you see Monson schools facing these next few years?
Answer: "Like most school districts, there are a lot of unknowns to plan for. It will be a challenge to ensure safety while continuing to provide meaningful instruction to all students. This pandemic has highlighted many issues that preexisted and new ones that many never saw coming. We need to come together as a community, voice our concerns and create plans for the future. In trying times, Monson has always come out stronger and I believe this will hold true for our schools too."
Question 8: During your time in the education system what mistakes have you seen? What changes could be made to make these better?
Answer: "Schools tend to be reactive rather than proactive. This was evident when the common core state standards were first released. Across the country there was little to no quality professional development delivered to educators on the reasoning behind the standards and how to best implement. Teacher’s frustrations trickled down to students and parents, and still today many people are not satisfied with the shift. To make positive change we must support teachers, educate the community and do what is best for all students. This can be done with quality professional development, informational family nights, and by making data driven decisions that will provide more learning opportunities for our students."
Question 9: Is there anything else you want the voters to know about you?
Answer: "I’m excited and grateful for this opportunity. I truly enjoy keeping up with trends in education and staying up to date with current research. I believe in informed decision making that keeps children at its heart."
Question 10: (for all the readers to ponder): Will you vote for Kate next month?
Well this concludes my interview blog with Kate. I think my biggest take-away as a voter is she truly cares about our kids enough to run in this upcoming election and put herself out there. Politics are never easy especially in a small town. She has my full support.
I also had a chance to chat with Mary Watson our Town Clerk. This will be a regular election as the state will not allow just mail-in ballots. Voting will take place Tuesday June 9th at Memorial Hall. The hours will be 8:00am - 8:00pm and Covid-19 precautions will be taken for voting in person. Election staff will have masks, gloves and voting machines will be sanitized every hour. No more than 10 voters will be allowed in the building at one time. All voters will be given masks and gloves to be used at their discretion and pens will be given to the voters to use and keep. You can of course choose to vote by mail if you wish. For more details or any questions please contact Mary at townclerk@monson-ma.gov.
Let your voice be heard. Get out and vote June 9th.
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