Popular teacher and principal headed for Lenox, Mass.

By Sally Quale

Botelle Superintendent Tim Lee

When Botelle School graduates its sixth grade on June 16 and move on to middle school, joining the exodus will be Principal Tim Lee. A teacher, musician as well as school’s popular principal, Lee is to become head of Morris Elementary School in Lenox, Mass., where the student population is more than twice that of Norfolk’s. Lenox is also an easier commute from the Lee family home in Great Barrington, where his two daughters attend school. “The Board of Education is sad to see Lee move on,” says the board’s president, Kate Johnson, “His child-centered approach to education, as well as his drive to improve professional development, have left their mark on Botelle.” Lee is particularly proud of his professional development initiatives. These include three “Teachers Days” each year with daylong workshops on such topics as asperger’s syndrome and autism. He also has endorsed his own teachers’ initiatives in the teaching of reading and language arts.” Lee went out of his way to connect with his students. He began the “Good News Assembly,” which showcases individual students’ talents, and personally led two after-school programs. One was teaching the guitar, at which he is proficient. The other was heading up “The Homework Club,” which students attend voluntarily to get a start on their homework. They also get help with homework from volunteers, mostly parents. Lee identified one Norfolk resident—Richard Byrne—and one Botelle alumna—Heather Warner—as stalwarts in supporting the club. “Many of the changes Lee has made are subtle but will likely be long lasting,” says Johnson. The head of the Parent Teachers Organization has a similar take on Lee. “We are very sad over his leaving,” says Chaya Berlstein. “In such a small school, he can jump in and teach a class if need be. He is very close to the kids.” Leaving Norfolk will not be easy for Lee. “It has been a joy,” he says, “to watch the kids grow up over the five years I have been in Norfolk and to be a part of their development.” A search committee expects to have selected a new Principal by the end of June. To learn more about the school and its curriculum, visit bottelleschool.com. Launching the school’s website that was one of Lee’s most notable achievements.