A Few Minutes In Berlin With the New Willard School Principal

BERLIN, CT — Berlin Public Schools popular teacher and administrator Megan Sirois is the new principal at Willard Elementary School.

"We recognize Meg as a reflective practitioner, a collaborative administrator, and a true leader," a statement announcing her hire said late this summer. "During her two years as a building leader, Meg has proven herself to be a dedicated and caring instructional leader."

Berlin Patch did a wide ranging and in-depth question and answer session with Sirois.

BP: Where are you from and where did you go to school, leading to you career as an educator?

MS: I graduated from Danbury High School. I have the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Education – CCSU
• Master of Arts Degree in Reading and Language Arts – University of St. Joseph
• 6th Year Certificate in Educational Leadership – CCSU

BP: When did you start teaching? Was it in Berlin and if not where was it and then when did you start teaching in Berlin? When did you start with your first administrative role and what were you doing last before this assignment?

MS: I student taught in a fifth-grade classroom at Willard and I have worked in the Berlin Public Schools ever since. I have taught in all three elementary schools, grade two at Griswold, and then grade one at Willard, before going to Hubbard, where I spent 20 years teaching grades two and five.

I was teaching grade five at Hubbard prior to being appointed to the position of Assistant Principal of Willard and Griswold Schools in August of 2017. This was an amazing opportunity to work with Dr. Correia and Mr. Kitzman to lead 1,000 students and about 190 staff members. This past school year the position was changed to Lead Teacher (administrative responsibilities and teacher support) and I was at Willard. Correia did a great job leading Willard School and he will be missed.

BP: What do you think the biggest obstacles and hurdles will be in starting a new job at a new school even though you are familiar with it?

MS: Willard School has a dedicated staff that is committed to continuous improvement in service of student success. We have supportive parents and amazing students. This year, we will continue to focus on the Berlin Learner Outcomes of citizenship, collaboration, communication, problem solving, and designers.

BP: Give me your basic educational philosophy and what's most important for each student and student performance.

MS: I have high expectations for student success are at the core of my belief that all students deserve the opportunity to develop into lifelong learners with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to become productive citizens in a global society. This can be achieved in a school community that embraces the whole child and meets individual needs while acknowledging the significant role parent and community involvement plays in classroom and school success. The ultimate goal of education is for students to employ their unique talents with passion and purpose.

We will have strong instructional models that are differentiated to meet students’ needs are essential for student success. The staff at Willard School is committed to using data to progress monitors students to ensure that they have the supports that they need to be successful.

BP: What is your policy and thoughts on school safety? How does Berlin deal with school safety because most people think it couldn't happen here?

MS: The school district is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of students. In the fall, we began using the Raptor system to sign visitors into the building. The system prints our badges allowing staff to know who has checked in at the office. The vestibule project at Willard is almost finished. Visitors will now be buzzed in twice before entering the building. Recently, a Security Director was hired and Security Officers will be present in the schools.

BP: What are you most looking forward to and what are you most concerned with starting the new job?

MS: I am really excited to implement some new initiative and continue some that are already in place. Responsive Classroom and Purposeful Play will address social- emotional pieces. We will continue to promote character education by being safe, kind, responsible, and respectful and showing our Willard Pride.

We are also continuing our work in grades two to five with Math Studios to help students develop a more conceptual understanding of math. We are exploring inquiry-based learning through the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) & Genius Hour and refine our conferring and small group instruction in Reader’s Workshop.

I am excited to work with the staff to provide increased opportunities for parents to participate in school activities.

BP: What do you think makes Berlin special as far as school and student achievement goes?

MS: Berlin is a great community with wonderful schools. From the Board of Education, to the administration, to teachers, and staff members, to parents, there is an unwavering commitment to providing our students with a high-quality education.

Story and photo contributed by Bob Mayer (special to Patch)