Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sonia Dinnall ushered in her inaugural school year with a convocation on August 23rd.
The theme of the convocation, “Educating to Empower,” is a concept Dr. Dinnall has championed since she sought the role of superintendent, and during the convocation, she elaborated on its significance for the district.
“Educating to Empower means changing the trajectory of someone’s life. To truly embrace this mission, we must first examine our belief system.
Our beliefs dictate how we engage with the bright minds in our care. As educators, we must believe in our ability to make a difference.
You must believe that sitting in front of you is the next Dr. Suess. You must believe that sitting in front of you is the next Oscar award-winning Ruth E. Carter. You must believe that sitting in front of you is the next medal-winning Olympian like Rodney Smith. You must believe that sitting in front of you is the next leader of a great city such as the honorable Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. You must believe that sitting in front of you is the next Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools, the daughter of immigrants who realized the American dream through the power of Education.
If we believe in ourselves and our students, we will empower them to change the world.” ■