Galusi Boys and Girls Club Teacher of the Year

McGlynn Elementary School third grade teacher, Mrs. Galusi, was named the Medford Boys and Girls Club’s Teacher of the Year during celebration of 2011 Boys and Girls Club Week. Recognized by current and former students, Mrs. Galusi’s nominations spoke of her kindness, willingness to listen and compassion with youth having difficulty with classroom concepts. The Teacher of the Year Award is one of Clubhouse staffs’ initiatives to formally collaborate with Medford teachers and principals in support of youth academic achievement.

With the goal of serving as the hub between parents and schools, better equipping families to address academic issues, Clubhouse staff are working to capitalize on resources and assets that will close the achievement gap for students.

“It is our goal to deepen relationships with Medford Public Schools in support of the positive academic and social development of Medford youth,” says Mechilia Eng, Boys and Girls Club Executive Director. “By collaborating with schools, Club staff can more holistically address the behaviors, attitudes and skills that lead to graduation and the community at large is strengthened.

The Boys and Girls Club gives Medford youth access to caring adults who can provide the support needed to address issues associated with poor academic achievement. Club staff support academic achievement through discussing the importance of school and high school graduation; recognizing academic successes, including homework completion, grade improvement and progression, and implementing educational programming that teaches members new skills and reinforces those needed to be successful in school. Staff are trained and able to identify young people who are disconnected from their studies, and connect with their school/teacher to re-engage them.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Middlesex County

Boys & Girls Clubs of Middlesex County‘s (BGCMC) mission is to help young people, especially those who need us most, realize their full potential as responsible citizens and leaders. We do this by providing: a safe haven filled with hope and opportunity, ongoing relationships with caring adults, and life-enhancing programs. Through four Clubs in Cambridge, Medford, Somerville and Everett trained and professional staff serve more than 2,000 youth (ages 6-18) daily through programs that foster academic success, healthy lifestyles and character and leadership development. BGCMC is open during the critical non-school hours of 2:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. during the school year and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the summer. To effectively serve those who need us most, BGCMC asks families to pay annual membership dues of only $30 per child and no child is turned away due to inability to pay. For more information, please visit www.kidsclubs.org.

– Information and photo from Boys and Girls Club of Middlesex County. Pictured: Mrs. Galusi stands alongside Clubhouse Director Jacquelyn Rudis and the Club Members who nominated Mrs. Galusi for the 2011 Teacher of the Year.