Published: 8/28/2022 12:17:39 PM
Modified: 8/28/2022 12:13:58 PM
ORANGE — Dozens of people visited Ralph C. Mahar Regional School last week to get to know the new principal and vice principal of Orange’s elementary schools.
Families enjoyed pizza, ice cream, beverages and an inflatable bounce house as they introduced themselves to Lisa Lewis and Paul Fraleigh ahead of the academic year that begins Sept. 7.
“They’re very kind. They’re coming up to me. They’re not reluctant. They’re approaching me and they’re asking me some great questions,” Lewis said of visitors during the meet-and-greet event.
Lewis comes from 1st Sgt. Kevin A. Dupont Memorial Middle School in Chicopee, where she served as vice principal for nine years after having taught English language arts for 15. She said she is looking forward to “really working with the community and bringing about positive change in the educational realm, because I think sometimes people have a negative feel about education and they have the wrong idea about it.”
“I want to show them that all kids can learn,” she continued. “It’s about how you approach them in that learning.”
Lewis, who was born in Springfield, graduated from the city’s technical high school in 1981. She earned an associate’s degree from Springfield Technical Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Elms College, and two master’s degrees and an educational doctorate from American International College (AIC). She lives in Chicopee.
Fraleigh said the meet-and-greet was going flawlessly.
“It’s amazing. (The) community has really shown up,” he said. “I’ve already been approached by many families here, sat down with quite a few families. They all seem very receptive and excited for the new year, as well as us — me and Dr. Lewis.”
Fraleigh started his career in Springfield and just wrapped up 18 years in Chicopee Public Schools, where he taught math. He received a master’s degree (his second) in administrative leadership in April.
“I’ve been working really hard to get to this point,” he said. “I found the opportunity to work with a population that I’m very used to.”
Fraleigh has earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a bachelor’s degree from AIC, and master’s degrees from Elms and AIC. He was born and raised in Norwalk, Connecticut, and now lives in Belchertown.
Amanda Cortright, an alumna of Orange elementary schools, attended the meet-and-greet so her daughter, Aubree, entering fourth grade, and son, Jayce, entering third grade, could meet the administers and quell some back-to-school jitters. She was joined by her mother, Vicki Cortright, who works in the kitchen at Dexter Park Innovation School. Both elder Cortwrights said the meet-and-greet was going wonderfully and they love that the school district holds it.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.
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