We are excited to recognize Sullivan Raposa of Thondyke Road School and Natasha Mateo of Clark Street Community School as this month's WooStars!
Below you can find more information about this month's honorees, and their contributions to Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action.
For a full list of recent WooStar selections, visit the WooStars Archives webpage.
Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for students and staff who exemplify Vision of a Learner and Vision to Action in WPS to feature on our social media channels.
Sullivan Raposa, Second Grade, Effective Communicator at Thorndyke Road School
"Despite having an articulation delay, Sullivan works diligently inside and outside of school to improve upon his speaking. He consistently gives his school work and daily interactions every positive effort he has despite this delay. He continues to show a strong understanding of how his delay impacts his ability to effectively communicate and when he is not understood, whether by a peer or adult, he uses the tools that work for him, to become better understood. This has given him the confidence needed to step up in class and even during group events and activities. While clear communication is a work in progress, Sullivan consistently demonstrates his abilities to communicate effectively despite daily challenges."
This demonstrates that Sullivan is an Effective Communicator, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner. Sullivan transfers skills and knowledge to new situations and contexts, and uses what he learns in different situations (PS 4).
Natasha Mateo, New Citizens Program ESL Teacher at Clark Street Community School
"Natasha has transformed the lives of countless students and families. Her classroom is a microcosm of the globe. Students arrive from every corner of the world, speaking different languages, entering at various academic levels, and often carrying the weight of disrupted schooling, trauma, and cultural transitions. Yet in the midst of this complexity, Natasha creates a space where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered. Through her expert guidance, these young learners gain the language skills and confidence they need to not only survive, but thrive; ultimately transitioning into mainstream classrooms ready to succeed. Natasha’s impact reaches far beyond academics. She teaches her students critical life skills, helps them navigate personal challenges, and advocates fiercely for their well-being. She routinely goes the extra mile conducting home visits, personally assisting families with everything from school paperwork to community resources, and making a genuine effort to understand and honor each student's cultural background. Her work is rooted in empathy, driven by purpose, and marked by extraordinary dedication. It’s not just what she does, it’s who she is. She doesn’t just change classrooms, she changes lives."