West Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Stefania Raschilla and Memorial School Principal Karen Albano stand in front of a board celebrating the school’s strategic priorities.
Reminder Publishing file photo
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Memorial Elementary School was honored among 54 other schools in Massachusetts by the Healey-Driscoll administration and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education during a ceremony at the State House on Jan. 20.
The press release said the schools were identified through the state accountability system for demonstrating high achievement, significant improvement and high growth.
DESE also nominated six nominees for national blue ribbon schools and two for National Elementary and Secondary Education Act distinguished schools.
“It’s important to recognize the good work happening in Massachusetts schools,” Gov. Maura Healey said in the press release. “I hope the teachers, staff and school community for each School of Recognition will take pride in this honor.”
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll also said in the press release that the schools recognized are fulfilling important roles in their communities and that successful schools build a sense of belonging for students, families and staff.
Memorial Principal Karen Albano said she is exceptionally proud to be the school’s principal and that the students, staff and families have worked hard to achieve the recognition.
“Mostly, I feel lucky to be a part of our school everyday and appreciative of the endless support and trust we receive from our district team and our school community,” Albano said. “I am acutely aware of the team effort it takes to not only support students as learners but also as people.”
Seen on the day to day that exemplifies the recognition, Albano said that a lot of conversations happen at school about both achievement and growth. She said achievement has its place, but growth is the exciting part and every student’s individual growth is prioritized, pushing to help all students meet their target and stretch goals.
Albano said that while the school is certainly thrilled about the way students achieved higher levels of proficiency, such as on the spring 2025 MCAS, they are, in some ways, even more excited by the incredible amount of growth seen among all students.
“We see growth in our day to day work with students, and are excited that they were able to showcase all they have learned and can do in yet another way,” Albano said.
Moving forward, Albano said Memorial will continue implementing and growing their systemic approach to student support. She said the school has a number of targeted support teams working collaboratively to review student data on an individual, classroom and school level.
“Specifically, we utilize our instructional leadership, instructional support and CARE teams to look at all aspects of student support, including academic, social, behavioral and attendance,” Albando said. “Our systems help ensure that all students are growing and, ultimately, achieving at a level which positions them to explore and take on whatever their future holds.”
