Why I am running as a Candidate for School Committee

This letter was submitted to LongmeadowBuzz by Kency Gilet- a candidate for the Longmeadow School Committee in the upcoming Annual Town Elections.

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My name is Kency Gilet and a candidate for the Longmeadow School Committee. I moved to Longmeadow with my three children, Alicia, Adam, and Abigail specifically because of the exceptional Longmeadow Public Schools. In a year of many changes for us, a community that welcomes diverse families was a comfort. Two of my kids attend Wolf Swamp Road Elementary and one attends Glenbrook Middle School.

As a full time, single father to three LPS students, my stake in the continued success of Longmeadow Schools is clear. I believe our students can overcome the most difficult circumstances life will throw at them. They are not the victim of their traumas, but the champion of their strengths and skills. The dire situation in our schools regarding the rates of depression and suicidal ideation is a concerning trend that requires a proactive response. I’m running to support our students in leveraging their strengths and community resources to create their own legacy of success and happiness.

Professionally, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor with over a decade of experience treating kids, teens and families suffering from emotional, behavioral, and mental disturbances. My private clinical practice is in East Longmeadow, and I serve as Vice President of a nonprofit mental health organization treating children and families with mental illness in Easthampton. Additionally, I have been an adjunct professor of psychology at Pace University for over a decade. Maybe my favorite professional experience was serving as PTO President of Pottenger Elementary School in Springfield from 2015-2017.

I am deeply committed to promoting mental wellness, life readiness, and parental engagement in our schools.

If honored to join an already well-functioning committee, I will prioritize the following areas:

Mental Wellness: I believe that mental wellness is essential to student success. I’m motivated to work with the full committee to ensure that our schools provide the necessary resources and supports for students to maintain good mental health. This includes promoting self-care practices, implementing social-emotional learning programs, and providing access to mental health professionals when needed.

Life Readiness: Our schools prepare students for success beyond the classroom. I will support efforts to ensure that LPS provides a well-rounded education that includes essential life skills such as financial literacy, career readiness, and civic engagement. I will also advocate for experiential learning opportunities that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world situations. There are many paths to success that should be presented to our students.

Parental Engagement: Caregivers play a critical role in education, and I believe that strong parental engagement is essential to student success. I will leverage my experience strengthening partnerships between schools and families to provide opportunities for parents to get involved and have a voice in their child's education. This includes creating a welcoming and inclusive school environment, promoting regular communication between parents and educators, and providing resources for parents to support learning at home.

I am ready to work collaboratively with school administrators, teachers, parents, and community members to ensure that our schools provide the highest caliber of education for our students. If elected, I will be a dedicated advocate for mental wellness, life readiness, and parental engagement in our schools.

I humbly ask that you vote Kency Gilet for Longmeadow School Committee on Tuesday June 13.

Respectfully,

Kency Gilet, LMHC, NCC

Why I am running for School Committee as a Write-in Candidate

This letter was submitted to LongmeadowBuzz by Adam Rosenblum- a write-in candidate for the Longmeadow School Committee. 

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My name is Adam Rosenblum, D.O. I am a write-in candidate this June 13th for the Longmeadow School Committee. I am excited to run for the post on behalf of my two children, who will soon enter the Longmeadow School District, with the goal of fostering an even stronger educational community in Longmeadow. I hope my voice on the committee will ensure our exceptional schools will continue to flourish as they support Longmeadow families. 

My community service with the Longmeadow COVID Vaccine Clinic and Little League has allowed me to meet so many neighbors, leaving me inspired. We have the overwhelming potential to furnish our children with the tools not only to thrive but to shape our society. While I am a physician by training, I began my career as a public school science teacher and afterward continued to teach at the college and graduate levels. 

My comprehensive experience in education will be an asset to solving issues facing Longmeadow Public Schools. I grew up in Western Michigan and was fortunate to gain my secondary education in schools of similar quality to Longmeadow. I have seen the dedication required by individuals to maintain and improve such outstanding schools. Support for the teachers and staff that make these incredible opportunities possible must be steadfast and frequently reinvigorated. I will stand by our teachers and staff, working tirelessly to realize the promise that education can fulfill in Longmeadow. 

When the voters cast their ballots on June 13th, they should have a choice of candidates. This is an opportunity to bring in a new voice with a positive attitude, the essential experience, and the community dedication to meet the responsibilities of this noble committee. I’m thrilled to see what we can accomplish working together for Longmeadow!

Check out my Adam Rosenblum for Longmeadow School Committee FB page for more information.

Adam Rosenblum, D.O.