Leslie Clark-Yvon
Thomas C. Passios Outstanding Principal
National Distinguished Principal

When asked to write a letter in support of Leslie’s nomination for the Thomas C. Passios Outstanding Principal Award, the Director of Curriculum for the Westfield Public Schools, Dr. Helena Mochak, quoted Anne Frank in describing Leslie’s professional career – “How wonderful it is that no one need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Having begun her career in 1972 as a teacher in Westfield, Leslie took on leadership roles early on, serving on a number of committees, before becoming a principal in the district in 1987. The principal of the Franklin Avenue Elementary School for 15 years, Leslie is dedicated and committed to the achievement of each child in her school.

Franklin Avenue Elementary School serves some of the most economically challenged and educationally deprived children and families in Westfield. A school once rated under No Child Left Behind as “Needs Improvement”, under Leslie’s leadership, the faculty and staff have dedicated themselves to improving student achievement and succeeding in earning a “no status” rating under NCLB. With the support of grant funds, the school adopted the Literacy Collaborative Model that combines staff development with on-site coaching and developmental testing. With Leslie’s encouragement, this initiative provided the Franklin staff with “a voice in the governance, structure and operations of their school.” Franklin Avenue Elementary School also implemented the Reading First Initiative to improve student performance in the English Language Arts. Through these initiatives, and with the commitment of faculty and staff, the performance of students on state testing has shown increases for five years in succession. Franklin Avenue Elementary School has been recognized as a Compass School by the Commonwealth.

With a focus on improved reading in place, Leslie identified the need to improve student performance in mathematics, as well. She identified the need for professional development in the area of teaching math for conceptual understanding. Attending all of the sessions, Leslie demonstrated the importance of increasing the math content knowledge of all staff at Franklin Avenue Elementary School. Taking it one step further, Leslie instituted the “Morning Math with the Principal” program. Each day, students arrive one hour early for learning through games, manipulatives, and exercises to help them succeed in mathematics, resulting in performance gains for all subgroups.

Leslie is described as one who “possesses an engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues, and the community.” She is considered a “visionary” and “the vision she holds onto for the Franklin Avenue School is one that is shared by the faculty because of her loyalty to a population” that others often do not embrace. Offered the opportunity to be a principal in a more economically advantaged area, Leslie decided to remain at Franklin because “she knows there is still work to be done and she feels a commitment to the families of the neighborhood.”

Leslie has been an inspiration to many. She has served as the teacher-in-residence at Westfield State College and teaches as an adjunct faculty there. She loves to share learning by involving college, high school and even middle school students in her school. Some years ago, a parent approached her and asked if she would supervise her in her effort to achieve a G.E.D. through a long distance learning program. This parent was concerned that her middle school child was considering dropping out of school and she wanted to be a role model for him to stay in school. Leslie took on the role of mentor and tutor and worked with this parent during after school hours. The middle school son agreed to remain in school and aspires to graduate with his mother.

A believer in educating all students to their greatest potential, Leslie does not shy away from difficult decisions when it can benefit children. When the district was considering alternatives for a group of kindergarten students with significant and challenging behavioral issues, Leslie offered classroom space and had the room up and running with necessary supports within two weeks. Most importantly, “she encouraged their participation within the mainstream, not in isolation.” Leslie is viewed as one whose focus is “student centered and designed to make sure that all students are supported within the general education classroom.”
Staff report that Leslie arrives at school as early as 5:30 a.m. She prepares Accelerated Math and spelling, responds to emails, and then goes on to teach Morning Math to those students who have “coaxed their parents into driving them in at 7:30 for math fun and skills improvement.” It’s then time for the morning breakfast program and Morning Meeting – a mix of academic and social activities that build school-wide community. The singing of a variety of patriotic songs and the Pledge of Allegiance send children off to class.

Leslie lives in Westfield with her wonderful husband, Jim, also an educator, and her large family of sons, stepsons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. Every year, they also host an exchange student and other cultural interns. When she is not busy with school she loves serving in the community, reading, knitting and gardening - all of which she brings back to her school.

Past Passios Award Recipients