Northgate says goodbye to assistant superintendent

&emsp;&emsp;The world of education has been a lifelong influence in Francesca Lattari's life.&emsp;&emsp;"I grew up in a family of educators," she explains. "My mother taught French and Spanish at the middle/high school level and often expressed the sentiment of many educators – many who chose the profession to serve others, make a difference, and inspire young people," she said, looking back upon a career in which she certainly has served others, made a difference, and inspired young people.&emsp;&emsp;Growing up in West View, Lattari has not only been a teacher, but also a lifelong student. &emsp;&emsp;Graduating from North Hills High School in 1983, she moved on to the University of Pittsburgh -- main campus -- for all of her degrees and certifications, beginning in 1987 with a B.A. in Languages & Literature and Communication, followed by her teacher certification in Elementary Education in 1988. She completed a Master's in School Counseling in 1994, Elementary Principal Certification in 2001, and Curriculum & Instruction Certification in 2010.&emsp;&emsp;All of this while also working as a member of what she refers to as the "Northgate Family," beginning in 1991 as a fifth grade teacher at Avalon Elementary for seven years, and then serving as guidance counselor, 1998 – 2007, at Avalon and Northgate Middle/High School. Her administrative career began as principal at Avalon Elementary, 2007–2012, and then moved on to her final position, assistant to the superintendent, 2012–2021, the position from which she is now retiring.&emsp;&emsp;Asked to recall a few Northgate accomplishments that will remain most memorable to her, Lattari explained two in particular, noting that they remain most memorable to her as their mission continues.&emsp;&emsp;"In 2007, Northgate was one of 16 school districts awarded funding by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to increase and develop effective school-based mental health programs in Pennsylvania schools. Six of 16 school districts then implemented school-wide positive behavior support (SWPBS)."&emsp;&emsp;Northgate's team was represented by teachers, counselors, nurses and administrators who met in Harrisburg for training. Week-long training sessions provided the tools to create, teach, and reinforce students' social, emotional, and academic learning skills to support students for success and well-being.&emsp;&emsp;"It continues to this day to be known as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) school-wide, as part of the district's implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). The never-ending commitment by faculty and administration is evident as we continue to progress with implementation of MTSS to meet the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of all students, Lattari said.&emsp;&emsp;Another strong memory that remains with her occurred in 2012, when Northgate was awarded the Keystones to Opportunity grant, which introduced the Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Program, a federal grant to improve literacy outcomes for students from birth through grade 12.&emsp;&emsp;"Pennsylvania was one of six states to be awarded the federal funding, and Northgate was one of 53 school districts in Pennsylvania," Lattari said. "For five years, staff and administration collaborated with community stakeholders to assist in developing and implementing a local comprehensive literacy plan, including establishment of a district-operated early childhood program. Those partnerships continue to exist and have strengthened the district in initiatives pursued today."&emsp;&emsp;Asked how education in general -- not just at Northgate -- has changed for the good or for not-so-good since she entered the profession, Lattari replied, "One of the most interesting aspects of education is that while curriculum, philosophies, and strategies may seem to swing on a pendulum, the cyclical nature encourages growth in educators and allows them to improve to best serve the students we teach. We are fortunate to have access to more resources. Technology can be an incredible tool in education but it can also create challenges like many that we actually experienced during the pandemic."&emsp;&emsp;Lattari said that she is hopeful that she has been successful with her professional goal of being an advocate for students. &emsp;&emsp;"I have worked toward facilitating student growth socially, emotionally, and academically. I was fortunate to learn at an early age and throughout my educational career that learning paved the path to future success. Having positive role models such as my family, teachers, and professors who shared this love for learning was instrumental in my career decisions. One of the biggest lessons I learned as an educator is that teaching is not a career. It is a lifestyle. We become deeply invested in the lives of the students and their success."&emsp;&emsp;One of her colleagues, performing arts educator Kelly Winovich, gives Lattari's Northgate career an "A-PLUS," saying, "Ms. Francesca Lattari is a passionate and respected administrator who avidly supports all programs in the Northgate School District. Her knowledge and experience have been an asset to our school and community. Francesca puts her heart and soul into everything that she does. For years, she has given the extra effort going above and beyond to benefit the students and staff at Northgate. Ms. Lattari's dedication and enthusiasm for education is to be admired. She will be greatly missed."&emsp;&emsp;While nobody would challenge those words of praise, Lattari would be the first to give credit to the total team that made her success as an educator and as an administrator possible. &emsp;&emsp;"I have worked with amazing people throughout my career. As we all know, 'It takes a village to raise a child.' This holds true in a school community. The parents, teachers, students, custodial and maintenance personnel, food service workers, secretaries, board of school directors, and administrators work together to help educate our future citizens. There are not enough words to express my gratitude for the commitment of my colleagues as we support our greatest asset -- the children."&emsp;&emsp;And what might be Francesca Lattari's future plans?&emsp;&emsp;"I have always enjoyed traveling and look forward to exploring new places in the near future with my husband Fred, and spending more time with family."&emsp;&emsp;Northgate superintendent Dr. Caroline Johns adds a final accolade: "While we are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for Mrs. Lattari, she will be greatly missed. She has been part of the Northgate family for many years and has been a passionate advocate for our students, families and community. We wish her all the best in her retirement!"