Latest news with #Fiorenza
West Australian
22-05-2025
- General
- West Australian
What I See with Peter Fiorenza: Instead of complaining, community members should step up and buy-in
Why don't people just step up to the plate? Be responsible and have a bit of 'buy-in'. You may be asking what am I on about. Well, recently I've come to the conclusion that people are simply selfish and self-centred. That's probably a little bit of a broad statement, but I believe I too often fall victim to the 'easy way out' scenario. A case of, 'I'll just leave that for someone else to do', or 'it's someone else's job, I'll close my eyes, and the situation or problem will go away'. Through my everyday life encounters, being a schoolteacher, a councillor and your average citizen, I see cop-outs all the time. Because local government is the system of governance that is most at the coalface, you do get a lot of face-to-face feedback. Don't get me wrong, I love the raw interaction, and that's why I'm in the game, but a fair share of the feedback is often negative. 'Why can't the council do this?' 'Why can't the council do that?' Often, I totally understand the situation, but I am also privy to the big picture where there is only so much money, and choices have to be made. Which brings me to a recent light bulb moment. Governments at all levels pay individuals to provide a service — from within the organisation or outsourced. Often budget restraints mean these services become limited, often resulting in certain areas missing out. And this can lead to community angst. But couldn't this shortfall in services be met with the use of volunteers? For example, overgrown grass verges could be cut by residents who live nearby, individuals could donate trees and assist with adding to the canopy coverage in the city. Perhaps, once a week, families could empty overflowing public rubbish bins in their neighbourhoods. Maybe, a group of retirees could volunteer to clean the public barbecues every couple of days. I'm just throwing these ideas out there. And I'm sure, many of you will say: 'Why should we do this or that, isn't that the council's job, or isn't that the Government's job?' 'Why should I do it?' Because, at the end of the day, I believe we all need to take some ownership in our communities, some healthy buy-in. As you may know, I just love and admire the famous Kennedy family, especially JFK. He said in a speech not long before he died: 'Increased responsibility goes with increased ability, for, of those to whom much is given, much is required.' Let's be prepared to give a little back, hey. Peter Fiorenza hosts Sports Shed Saturday (9am to noon) and Fiorenza on Sunday (10am to noon) on Radio MAMA
West Australian
15-05-2025
- West Australian
What I See with Peter Fiorenza: Walking around Geraldton's oldest streets is a journey through local history
I love the simple things in life. And one of those simple things is going for a walk around the block with my dog, Joel. Not only is it a way to clear out all the cobwebs and bond with man's best friend, its' also a way to discover how things tick in your surrounds. Recently I moved from my home of 20-plus years in Drummonds to my new modest abode in Beachlands. The move happened nearly four months ago — and the dogs and I are loving it. Since moving into town, I've made regular walks a routine, but I have discovered this habit is much more than light exercise. In fact, it is really quite fascinating. When I was at university, I studied geography, with one of the units being urban geography. I wasn't quite sure about it at first, but the more I got into it, the more I found urban geography was actually an intriguing investigation. It involved looking at houses and other buildings, and their impact on society. For instance, let's take a look at one of Geraldton's well-known streets — Shenton Street. Joel and I take a walk down Shenton Street every couple of days, and I find it a real treat. Why? Well, from the moment I hit the pavement in front of my place, it's like taking a journey through history. The architecture is wide and varied. Immediately, from my early 1900s corrugated-iron structure to the the World War II solid brick house across the road, a unique story begins to unfold. Crossing Francis Street, we walk by some gated premises, before seeing some Dutch gable designs in their glory. There are also homes with footpaths that wind through English-style gardens. Every house is different, from before the turn of the last century, even with patches of 1970s, 1980s and later. These homes could tell some amazing tales, from the settlement of Champion Bay to the 1920s and into the two world wars. It's not just the history, but the story of the people who helped to make that history. It's a journey through time in Geraldton. And you know what? This is just Shenton Street. What are the stories being told by Francis Street, Gregory Street, Fitzgerald Street and the rest? Someone recently said to me Beachlands and the West End are the Subiaco of Geraldton. But I reckon they are so much more. Peter Fiorenza hosts Sports Shed Saturday (9am to noon) and Fiorenza on Sunday (10am to noon) on Radio MAMA
Chicago Tribune
06-05-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Oak Park and River Forest High School assistant superintendent Laurie Fiorenza to resign
The administrator who oversees all things academic at Oak Park and River Forest High School is leaving the school at the end of this school year. Laurie Fiorenza, assistant superintendent for student learning, is resigning effective June 30. Fiorenza has been at OPRF for six years, the last four in the assistant superintendent position, after starting out as the director of student learning. It is not clear if Fiorenza has another job lined up and she has not responded to requests for comment. Fiorenza's undated resignation letter, obtained via a public records request, was brief and did not disclose her future plans. 'I am grateful for the opportunities I've had over the past six years to learn and grow as a leader alongside dedicated colleagues,' Fiorenza wrote. 'My time here has been formative, and I appreciate the experiences shaping my professional journey. 'As I transition to new opportunities, I appreciate my time in the district and the important work being done here. I will ensure a smooth transition and assist in any way I can to support the handoff of my responsibilities.' The morning after her resignation was accepted, Fiorenza sent an email to OPRF faculty and staff informing them that she was leaving and thanking them for their 'support, collaboration and shared commitment to students.' 'I'm grateful for the past six years and the chance to grow as a leader and to work alongside such dedicated and passionate colleagues has been truly meaningful,' Fiorenza wrote. District 200 Superintendent Greg Johnson confirmed that Fiorenza resigned but declined comment on the circumstances of the resignation. 'I think she did a lot of positive things for this district,' Johnson said. During Fiorenza's time at OPRF the school has received low marks in Five Essentials survey of teachers, which is mandated by the Illinois State Board of Education. In the most recent Five Essentials Survey, OPRF has received poor grades in instructional leadership, with a score of 16 on a 1 to 100 scale. OPRF was also classified as very weak in quality professional development with a score of 18 and received ratings of weak in innovation and program coherence. Fiorenza came to OPRF in 2019 after serving as principal of a middle school in Aurora. In her current role she is in charge of academics and curriculum. In OPRF's structure Principal Lynda Parker handles operations and school culture and does not play a major role in academic affairs. Before becoming the principal at the middle school in Aurora Fiorenza served as an assistant principal at a Batavia middle school. She began her career in Quincy working as a special education teacher, reading interventionist, director of an after school program and an assistant principal in the Quincy school district. The assistant superintendent position will be an important hire for OPRF. The school is completing the third year of detracking much of the freshman curriculum, meaning that it is getting near the time when meaningful evaluation of the Honors for All curriculum change can take place.
