March is Women's History Month, dating back to 1981, a national celebration of the contributions women have made to the United States. This year, we will be sharing and celebrating some of the women at RPS and their contributions to Rochester Public Schools!
Assistant Principal Kara Merrill shares a little about herself for Women's History Month. Kara has served in many roles at RPS, giving back to students and promoting equity and access for all.
Kara Merrill, Assistant Principal
How would you describe your role or daily responsibilities?
As an assistant principal, my role encompasses any duty that will create and uphold a safe and welcoming environment for staff who can, in turn, ensure the same is true for all students.
What brings you joy in your role?
I find joy in seeing students learn from their challenges and leaning on our staff (myself included) in times of need and success. Nothing makes me happier than seeing others happy. Knowing my efforts have done even one positive thing for another is very fulfilling.
What do you hope your role in education does to inspire students?
I hope my leadership and interactions with students will inspire them to achieve their highest potential. I work very hard to bridge the sometimes difficult-to-navigate education system and the world around them. I want students to understand their role in their future and see me as an example and support for getting where they aspire to be.
What is something you have achieved that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of my role as a mother; this is a huge part of who I am today.
Bobbi Jo Tweed works with our littlest members of the Rochester Public Schools community, along with their parents, to help them learn and grow. Throughout her career, she's advocated for herself and now helps families advocate for their children.
Bobbi Jo Twe
ed, Community Ed Program Supervisor - Early Childhood
How would you describe your role or daily responsibilities?
I am fortunate to work with the Early Childhood Screening team as part of my role. I get to work with children and help connect their adults to valuable resources, plus collaborate with community partners. The other part of my role with RPS is working with the amazing PAIIR/ ECFE team. Every day is different, helping staff, kiddos, and parents or doing outreach in the community.
What brings you joy in your role?
Every day, I am gifted with hearing the laughter of young children. Sometimes, a baby needs bouncing. Parents often need a reminder that they are doing great. The staff who choose to work in Early Childhood are kind and wonderful. All of this brings me joy.
What do you hope your role in education does to inspire students?
While working in the high schools, I met many students who wanted to work with young children but were hesitant to pursue a career in early childhood due to low pay. I hope my role can help students believe that following their dreams and choosing a career they are passionate about is a great reward.
What is something you have achieved that you are most proud of?
Advancing my career while keeping my family as my top priority is what I am most proud of. This balance is especially hard for women. I am grateful that I was courageous enough to take risks, said "No" when needed, and had the confidence to trust my instincts.
Meet Lori Sam, a dedicated staff member who strives for success in both her personal and work life. She brings her unique perspective to everything she does in a way that will always benefit others.
Lori Sam, Executive Assistant and Assistant School Board Clerk
How would you describe your role or daily responsibilities?
A very simplified definition would be that I support the superintendent in his daily tasks and manage his calendar, but the tasks of his office are very complex. I also coordinate school board meetings and collaborate with the executive committee, cabinet members, and other leaders within RPS to make the meetings successful. A lot of work goes into populating the content and helping everyone prepare for their presentations.
What women have influenced you in your life?
The woman who has influenced my life the most is my mom, Kelly Johson. She was a single mother raising five kids and worked hard to keep us safe and happy. Her hard work and unwavering support made me the person I am. She encouraged me to try new things, stay healthy, and help others. In no particular order, I have met other influential women most recently, including Mechelle Severson, Dr. Efe Agbamu, Mamisoa Knutson, Amelia Cordell, Julie Ruzek, and Annie Rohde. They all opened my eyes in different ways, which helped me become a better version of myself.
What do you do in your free time?
I believe health and wellness brings out the best in anyone. I work out weekly and strive to eat healthy while still enjoying life. As a certified personal trainer and health coach, I want to help others achieve their health and wellness needs. I spend time with my kids and family as much as I can. One of our favorite activities is going to escape rooms. The summertime activity that keeps me busy is attending pow-wows. I travel to these events to participate as a dancer in jingle or applique. At times, I will attend just as a spectator, too. Most recently, I have been trying to become more involved with film work and video production. I attended a Set PA workshop in NYC and helped with the Minnesota Film Festival. I am also trying to learn Ojibwe. I have so many interests and little time to delve into them.
If you could meet any influential woman in history, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet United States Department Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland because of her influence in the political world and the fact that she was elected to serve in that role as an Indigenous woman. It was tricky picking only one. So another woman I would love to meet is Lily Gladstone because I graduated with a film degree and have a deep desire to work in that world. I loved her performance in Killers of the Flower Moon and believe she will win Best Picture and Actress in a Leading Role for the Academy Awards.