Page 16 THE VILLADOM TIMES III & IV • December 8, 2010
New superintendent terms data the schools’ best friend
In Dr. Marie Cirasella’s mind, skills in data analysis and problem identification are key in running a successful school district, and professional development is the tool to developing those skills in staff members. Since she took over as Midland Park’s superintendent of schools on July 1, Dr. Cirasella has made the appropriate use of date a top priority. “I want to help the administrative team use data with the staff; I want them not to be afraid to use it. It is the key. Data is our friend,” she said. She noted the goal is to be able to inform the board of what works well in Midland Park so it can share the findings with the public. Dr. Cirasella said that problem identification skills are particularly important in a small district such as Midland Park because it cannot afford to spend precious time or resources solving problems that are not really problems. “Sometimes they are misconceptions or misrepresentations. I hope the public can see that and be very careful before making sweeping statements without having the facts,” she cautioned. Because Midland Park is small and she has to wear many hats, Dr. Cirasella said that she is extremely goal oriented and aware that she must think outside the box and maximize all opportunities to get the desired results. She noted that she was recently able to use a professional connection to bring a top-notch presenter for a staff development day shared with Saddle Brook to help the staff with the implementation of common core standards. The superintendent said she is working on schoolbased professional development to better focus on the needs of each individual school. She is also integrating the sixth-grade staff, which is housed at Highland School, with the seventh and eighth grade teachers to foster greater articulation among the middle school grades. She pointed out that in the state’s assessment reports, the three grades are grouped together. Superintendent Marie Cirasella (third from left) meets with Dr. Cirasella said she Susanna Nieroda, Katie Moraski, Jessica Abraham, Jeremy also stays abreast of the best Vrtis, and Megan Collins in the senior lounge at Midland Park educational research to see High School. what can help with Midland Park’s needs. a solution. “All must feel progress has been “Even if we can’t afford it; we can pull made,” she said. parts out and make headway in our pracIn the five months she’s been in Midland tices. Sometimes you don’t need the whole Park, Dr. Cirasella said she has enjoyed getprogram; we just take what is best for our ting to know the town and to better undercommunity,” she pointed out. Curriculum stand its residents. She has been attending review and upgrade will be an important school and town functions and stopping task in the months ahead, she stressed. into classrooms. She said her four-year contract gives her “The best times are when I can get close time to develop programs and see results. to the student body and understand their “It gives me time here to work. It’s not hit issues,” she said, adding, “It’s a lovely place and run. It’s enough time to see plans bear to work. Everyone wants the best; we all fruit.” want the same thing… If we focus on our Dr. Cirasella said she welcomes parents goals and know where we are going, we to stop in to see her when they have a con- are all in the same train, going in the same cern so that together they can work towards direction.”
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