This principal of a National Blue Ribbon School makes sure students hear 'you matter' - masslive.com

A Massachusetts principal of a National Blue Ribbon School has been named one of eight winners of the 2021 Terrel H. Bell Awards for Outstanding School Leadership.

Principal John Gibbons of the Weston Middle School has been recognized by U.S. Education Secretary Miguel A. Cardona. The Bell Award is given to a small number of principals of National Blue Ribbon Schools for outstanding work, officials said.

Gibbons has worked at the middle school level for more than 36 years and is known for making sure staff and students hear messages like “you matter,” “your ideas are important,” and “by stepping up and leading our learning, you make us better,” according to a statement from education officials.

Weston Middle School was one of five Massachusetts schools that were named National Blue Ribbon Schools last month. Also honored were the Winship Elementary School in the Boston Public School District, the Northfield Elementary School in the Pioneer Valley Regional School District, the Josiah Haynes Elementary School in the Sudbury Public Schools and the John D. Hardy Elementary School in the Wellesley Public School District.

Gibbons started his career in California and moved back to Massachusetts to be closer to family, officials said. He was a teacher, grade-level leader and coach at Weston Middle School for nine years. He left to be principal at another school but in 2001 returned to Weston as principal.

“With his keen understanding of adolescent development, he has prioritized creating programs, pedagogy, and a team of educators who cater to this unique stage of development. He believes that to succeed, principals need to cultivate a positive school culture, knowing and reaching all students, and fostering student and teacher leadership. He promotes equity across all systems, shares decision-making, and embraces innovation and creativity,” officials said.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley congratulated Gibbons in a weekly newsletter issued Monday evening.

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This principal of a National Blue Ribbon School makes sure students hear 'you matter' - masslive.com
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