Park View Achieves Excellence

Park View Middle School was publicly recognized for their improving test scores last week during the Education Commissioner’s State of Education Address at the State House. And the school is one of two national winners as a 2011 NEED (National Energy Education Development) Junior Level School of the Year.

Those are just two of the accomplishments happening within the walls at Park View Middle School.

Principal Joseph Rotz is very excited about the improvements taking place at Park View. Rotz said he is working with faculty, students, parents, and the community to make Park View the best it can be. Rotz and his school improvement team have been working on improving academics as well as implementing more extra curricular activities for students. 

“I don’t think school is just about academics,” said Rotz. “At this age level it’s important to provide students with social skills and self confidence and that’s why we’re vested in not only focusing on our academic performance but also on providing students opportunities to grow socially and emotionally.”

This past year, many extra curricular activities were added, including a mural club, book club, and dance club. Next year, Park View will be adding a health and wellness club. Rotz believes in not only educating the mind but educating the whole child.

“Being able to take care of yourself health wise grows your self confidence,” said Rotz.

All that Park View has accomplished within this past year has all been due to hard work and dedication. Principal Rotz is very proud of the work done thus far and the commitment of all the teachers. 

“The staff here has been relatively the same staff that has been here for a long time,” said Rotz. “I refer to this school as a hidden jewel. This school has some of the most dedicated teachers in the city. I think we’re in a good place.”

Park View Middle School will continue to blossom. Next year will continue the streak of success due to the devotion of the administration and faculty, Rotz said.

“I think that obviously there is a lot to celebrate but then at the same time it’s just the beginning and there is a lot of work to be done,” said Rotz. “Our goal is to be the best middle school in the state of Rhode Island.”

In a June 1 letter to Rotz and the staff of Park View, Director of Curriculum and Academic Programs Jeannine L. Nota-Masse said she was impressed with the way in which the staff of the school "care deeply for [their] students and take pleasure in making Park View a positive learning environment for everyone."

Nota-Masse attended the recent unveiling of a new flagpole at a ceremony at the school last month. She described the event as a "moving and reverant tribute to those Cranston residents who have given their lives in military service" and "these types of events" showcase "all of the good things that our schools, especially in Cranston, do for our students and communities."