Dorchester School District 4 is thrilled to continue its "Everyday Hero" employee recognition program, a heartfelt initiative designed to honor the dedicated individuals who play crucial roles behind the scenes. These hardworking staff members ensure that our schools run smoothly, often going unnoticed but never unappreciated. Twice a month, we shine a spotlight on these employees, offering our gratitude and recognition for their unwavering commitment. Each recipient is honored with a certificate of appreciation and a distinguished coin from the Superintendent, symbolizing the deep appreciation we have for their exceptional service.
The newest and second "Everyday Hero" for the month of September is Mrs. Margarita Baptista, a passionate educator who serves as a Multilingual Program (MLP) Teacher within the Student Services Department. Mrs. Baptista’s dedication is deeply felt across the district, where her work with Multilingual Learners (MLs) goes above and beyond expectations. The district’s Multilingual Learner Program (MLP) is designed to ensure students who have a primary language other than English receive the tools and support they need to succeed. Through the MLP, students are provided with an English-rich learning environment that focuses on developing proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing—ensuring they can thrive both academically and socially.
As an MLP teacher, Mrs. Baptista is an expert not only in second language acquisition but also in understanding the unique academic challenges that ML students face. These students, while working hard to master English, are simultaneously absorbing content across all subjects, a task that requires significant effort and resilience. Mrs. Baptista's role is critical in supporting their success, and her passion for helping students bridge the language gap is apparent to all who work with her.
Starting from kindergarten and continuing through high school, Mrs. Baptista works closely with her students to develop the necessary skills for them to be successfully mainstreamed into all classes. Her dedication doesn’t stop at language instruction. She is a tireless advocate for her students, regularly meeting with teachers to collaborate and develop strategies tailored to help each child reach their full potential.
Despite her busy schedule, which involves traveling across the district to support students at multiple schools, Mrs. Baptista remains joyful and committed to her work. Her devotion and willingness to go the extra mile for her students is what makes her such a special part of the Dorchester School District 4 community. Dr. Nancy Britt-Stevens, who nominated Mrs. Baptista for this recognition, had this to say: "Mrs. Baptista is very hard working and determined to do all she can for every student she encounters."
Mrs. Baptista is truly a hidden gem in Dorchester School District 4, and through the "Everyday Hero" program, we are thrilled to show everyone how brightly she shines. Her unwavering dedication to her students and her work makes her a role model for all educators. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Baptista for her ongoing service and commitment to helping our students succeed. You are an inspiration to us all!