Mary Beth Banios (File photo)

After six years as elementary school principal in Harvard, Mary Beth Banios will move on to become assistant superintendent in Maynard. The Maynard school system, with 1,350 students, is somewhat larger than Harvard and is in the design phase of building a new high school, according to Maynard’s school business manager.

The new job is a good fit for her, Banios explained, because the focus is on curriculum assessment and professional development, two of her primary interests. Maynard is also working on some of the same issues that Harvard has encountered during Banios’ time here, such as integrating technology in the classroom and implementing a response-to-intervention (RTI) program to help students who are struggling academically.

Asked what changes she had seen over her six years in Harvard, Banios emphasized the schoolwide common approach in the reading and writing programs, with skills that build from year to year. For example, grades K to 3 now have a common phonics program, rather than a different program at each level. Harvard’s math curriculum, Banios said, is better aligned with the state frameworks than before.

“The school needs to function as a system,” Banios said, “rather than having each classroom exist in isolation.” She noted that teachers now have more common planning time, with weekly meetings for each grade level, as well as curriculum liaison teams to ensure continuity.

Changes in the use of technology have been particularly extensive. Banios pointed out that Hildreth Elementary School (HES) now has wireless access across the building, Smartboards in all classrooms for grades 1 to 5, and an upgraded computer lab that is used both during the day and after school. She praised the important role of Peg Harvey, the school’s media specialist, in supporting classroom teachers’ use of new technological resources.

Banios has overseen a dramatic expansion in Harvard’s kindergarten program. Six years ago, Harvard had two half-day programs, with no kindergarten aides. Today, there are two full-day sections of kindergarten, as well as two half-day sections. The costs of the extended-day programs are borne by the families who use them rather than the district. Each kindergarten class also has an aide, funded by state grants.

Asked how Harvard differs from other school systems in which she has worked, Banios replied, “Harvard’s strengths are also its challenges. People here really care about their town and are willing to put in a lot of time and energy. The level of commitment is very high, compared to other towns.” She pointed to the Harvard Schools Trust’s support, the parents who created new plantings in the HES courtyard, and the many other volunteer efforts that make special opportunities possible for the students. “Education is valued in Harvard,” she said. “It shows in the financial commitment the town makes to the schools, and it shows in the way the kids come to school ready to learn.”

That level of commitment can also create challenges, Banios noted. “People want to make a difference. But that raises the question of boundaries. Where is the right place to have a particular discussion? Where should a particular decision be made? Passions can get heated, too, because of the level of commitment.”