Meet Dr. Deborah Dancy

BPS is privileged and honored to have some of the best and brightest educators in the country on our team. This school year we would like to put the spotlight on some of them by introducing you to the school leaders, teachers, and administrative staff of BPS. This month we present to you Dr. Deborah Dancy.

Dr Deborah D. Dancy is the new principal at the Mildred Ave K-8 School and although she is new to the school, she is not new to BPS. Dr. Dancy has been with BPS for more than 25 years. She started as a student at Boston Technical High School where she was one of three girls to graduate in the class of 1974. Once she finished her studies in higher education, Deborah returned to BPS and worked in various roles: a teacher, a department head, assistant principal, and finally a principal.

“I am excited to be at Mildred Avenue because this is my neighborhood. I grew up 5 doors down from this school, and as a child I played on the lot that this school is built on. Through the Boston Public Schools, I have traveled national and internationally and attended some of the best universities this country has to offer. I want to inspire children to think outside of the box and to break out of the box. The world is a beautiful place for those who are prepared. Our children deserve the best and we will give them our best at Mildred Avenue,” said Dr. Dancy



Dr. Deborah Dancy was a vocalist at the New England Conservatory in 2005, a Television Producer for Boston Neighborhood Network in 2008, a recipient of the Crystal Apple Character Award in 2007 and Massachusetts Outstanding Leadership Award in 2008, a Japan Fulbright Scholar in 2006, and the author of two books: “Count Me In! Strategies For Success With All Children “(2011) and “ Yes We Can! Strategies for Closing The Achievement Gap”(2009).

A teacher who worked with Dr. Dancy when she served as the principal for The Channing Elementary School said about her, “Dr. Dancy has led us, me in particular, to understand what being a leader is all about. She has done that with caring approach, which allows us to be what we want to be, teach the way we need to teach...her successful formula is that she would do anything honorable for staff, her students and their families. That is leadership, that is character! ”

New beginnings

Summer has gone, but don’t worry, fall is here! It brings another school year, which means yellow buses, early morning wake-ups, high school football, exams, homework, and most importantly, new beginnings. This is especially a new beginning for me as the new Communications Specialist for BPS. My name is Thelma DaSilva, and as new member of the Communications team, I hope to share good news and information while also celebrating the great work happening at BPS. I hope that as I share with you, you can also share with the BPS community.



As you prepare to put away the summer clothes and bring out the jackets, remember that this season is the perfect opportunity to hit the refresh button and set new goals and expectations for yourself. Ask yourself: What do I want to accomplish this school year? How will I accomplish this? And then, “Just do it!”



Here are 7 things I usually do when I am looking to re-vamp:


1.) Write goals down.


Writing things down helps you remember the goal. It’s a constant reminder of what you said you wanted to do.



2.) Give myself a timeline.



Setting up a timeline helps you stay organized and keeps you on track.



3.) Share my ideas.



Telling people about your goals allows you to get help and feedback along the way. Feedback is essential when you want to learn what you are doing right or what you may be doing wrong.



4.) Encourage others.

The more you give the more you receive. One day you may need encouragement, so give now so you can receive later. It also feels great to do something nice for someone. 



5.) Evaluate!



Check in with yourself and see if you are where you are supposed to be. Are you working closer to your goals? If not, then it’s time to reassess and change it up!



6.) Treat myself.



When you accomplish a milestone, small or large, it's always good to reward yourself. This helps keep you motivated.




7.) Keep it fun.

Remember that in anything you do, it’s important that you are enjoying yourself and having fun doing it. This makes for a happier you.



Hopefully these seven tips will help you get organized, get motivated and get results. I would love to hear what your goals are or what steps you are taking to jump-start yourself this school year? Sharing is caring, so drop us a note or a comment.