Inside BPS – Kevin DaPonte: The Language of Learning
By Sean Mason
Communications Intern
Stonehill Class of 2017
On the first day of school, most students' biggest worries were wondering what time lunch was scheduled and when recess started, but for Kevin DaPonte, the current Assistant Dean of the Yellow House at Brockton High -- and soon to be Director of Business, Technology and Career Education -- it was learning the English language that worried him. DaPonte grew up speaking Portuguese. He picked up English as he progressed through his schooling.
"At first it was hard. I struggled, but I eventually caught up," said DaPonte.
The word ambitious would be an injustice to DaPonte. He describes himself as someone always looking to move forward, someone always ready to take on the next challenge.
"I think being an ESL student really contributed to my mentality as a hard worker. Hard work gets you far in life, and once you learn it, then you'll never lose it," said DaPonte.
Prior to obtaining his new position, DaPonte worked as a high school History teacher. He began teaching at Brockton High at the end of the 2004 school year and he held that position until he was promoted in 2011 to Assistant Dean of the Yellow House. And now, five short years later, DaPonte is ready to take on a new challenge.
"I've never been afraid of change or failure," said DaPonte.
His new position carries an abundance of responsibilities, ranging from developing a curriculum that enables students the ability to learn a particular set of skills, to ensuring that software is being used in the correct manner.
"My goal for this position is to develop Brockton High's vocational programs into something much more than they already are. I want the skills we teach to constantly be evolving," said DaPonte.
DaPonte wants to place his mark on the position. He wants all students who enter the vocational program to have options upon graduating, options that include either continuing that skill in college or finding a job in the work force.
"The program is very region based. We teach students what they need to know based on what the region they are living in requires," said DaPonte.
As excited as he is for his new position, DaPonte did say he will miss some aspects of his old job.
"Knowing the families and the students on a personal basis is something that I will miss, but with that said I'm very excited for what awaits me in my new position," said DaPonte.