At this time of year, we often pause to reflect on our blessings and the things for which we are grateful.
In my position as superintendent, I am often tasked with difficult decisions and weighty responsibilities, which are part of my job. But pausing to reflect on the things that I am grateful for as Cranston’s superintendent, it is not those difficult things that come to mind. Rather, it is the opportunities I have to interact with students and the chances to see the work that we do as educators shining through in the many accomplishments of our students.
Recently, I was approached by the class of 2020 Senior Executive Boards from both Cranston High School East and Cranston High School West. The two executive boards communicated with each other and collaborated on an initiative that was important to them – a change to what has been the graduation regalia for many years.
Together, the students from both schools proposed one idea to unify their classes and their school communities for their graduation ceremonies. Rather than being separated as a class by gender with two different colored gowns, the students broached to me the idea of having one inclusive, unifying gown represent each of their schools, a color that every student would wear on graduation day. The sash would incorporate the secondary school color and all students would wear that as well.
When they approached me, I took the time to listen to these young adults, their ideas and the reasons behind their request to change something that has been done in just one way for generations. While thoughtfully considering their reasons for the change, I realized that I was seeing the results of our hard work as educators now in action before me. They desired to make a change and asked to do it in a positive, articulate way.
Each day we work with our students to foster the 21st-century skills our students will need throughout their lives such as communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and problem solving. We ask our students to advocate for themselves and for their peers, to be independent thinkers and to be the change that they want to see in the world. On the day that I met with these students and listened to their thoughtful ideas, their values, and their goals, I was impressed and I was proud. These moments make me grateful for my job, for the opportunity to see our future leaders in action and for the positive impact our educators have had on our students.
I encouraged the students to bring their idea to the School Committee, and recently I had the pleasure of watching them do just that. The students from two of our high schools combined into one unified, inclusive group and presented their request to our School Committee members, who were also duly impressed. I saw their pride as the School Committee approved the idea they had collaborated, on which will impact generations to come.
And so, as I reflect on my blessings as superintendent of Cranston Public Schools and reflect upon the things I am grateful for, it is moments like this that come to mind. Each day, I am grateful for my colleagues and for our educators, all of whom are making a difference in the lives of our students every day. I am grateful for the community which supports our children and our schools, and I am grateful for the opportunities I am given to see the differences that our students are already making in the world. They make me proud and I know that they make you proud as well.
Have a wonderful holiday season.

Jeannine Nota-Masse is superintendent of Cranston Public Schools.