Magee makes move to ARHS as new dean

There is a new Dean at ARHS, but she’s not new to the district. Lamicko Magee, who can be found in room 168 was a long-time special education teacher at ARMS, but now she works alongside Mary Custard (Dean for grades 9 and 11) as the Dean for grades 10 and 12. 

According to Magee, the biggest difference between her previous job title and her current position is that she now works with many more students. Magee appreciates this work because she loves “getting to know students, working with people, and helping students with their self-development.” 

Magee grew up in Springfield Mass, then graduated from Springfield Central High School. Her mom had moved to the area from Mississippi when Magee was around the age of 4.

Magee later earned a degree in law from Western New England College and she holds a master’s in education from American International College. She decided to work in education because as a young parent of a child with a disability, she felt that it was “the best career choice.”

“I wanted to learn more about [how to support] children with disabilities,” she said.

Something Magee likes about ARHS so far is seeing students whom she taught in middle school. “I love how they have grown and matured to be responsible students,” she said.

Magee said she has faced no challenges in her new position. “It has been a very smooth, very welcoming community, and I get help when I need it,” she said. “ARHS is a calm environment and this type of environment helps students focus and study better. Also, it’s a good environment for staff to thrive.”

This allows her to direct her energy to helping students “find the right path for them.” 

Some hobbies Magee enjoys in her free time are gardening, including planting flowers and a vegetable garden, which she said is “very relaxing.” Magee currently lives in Belchertown, Mass. It has been 8 years since her move, and this is her second year on the Belchertown School Committee. Being on the School Committee requires volunteering a lot of her time.

In her role at ARHS, she hopes to inspire students to get the best out of their education. “Education doesn’t stop; learning is continuous,” Magee said.