Schools
New Westborough High Assistant Principal Eager to Help Freshmen
Matthew Lefebvre will work with freshmen and sophomores this year.
Matthew Lefebvre’s first assignment as Westborough High School’s newest assistant principal involves helping WHS’ newest class.
In a new way for both him and for them.
Lefebvre worked with Gibbons Middle School students the past nine years as part of being WHS’ band director.
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This fall, he’ll work with freshmen, and sophomores on a variety of issues.
He’ll welcome the freshmen at their Aug. 21 orientation.
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“I just want them to get off to a good start,” Lefebvre said.
“I know a lot of them coming in. They’re going to see a familiar face (and) let them know that there’s a lot of opportunities to get involved here at the high school. You’ve got a faculty that really cares about them all being successful. It’s critical that they know that from day one.”The first day of school in Westborough is Wednesday, Aug. 28.
Lefebvre takes over for Brian Callaghan, the school’s new principal.
Callaghan and Assistant Principal Carol Cavanaugh “are great mentors,” Lefebvre said.
Lefebvre said he “pitched in with administrative-type assignments over the past year,” including helping Cavanaugh schedule the MCAS test. “So, we have experience working together.”
School administration is “something that’s always intrigued me: an opportunity to be involved in the school culture in a different position,” Lefebvre said.
“I certainly enjoy being visible, because it gives you great opportunity to interact with students, their parents, people in our community. Everybody in our community is connected to the schools at some point. I really saw this opportunity to reach more students in the school building,” he said.
“I had been thinking about it for a few years. For the opportunity to present itself here is perfect.”
Lefebvre grew up in Connecticut, where his mother was a classroom music teacher in Wethersfield.
“I thought if I could combine my interest in music and interest in teaching and music education, it would be perfect,” he said.
“When I was an undergrad, I would go in and observe her teaching as part of my undergraduate studies. We talked a lot about teaching. But, mostly about kids and having that impact on students.
“That’s the big thing with any teacher, regardless of your discipline: you enjoy those relationships that you build with your students in the classroom.”
Lefebvre also directs the Westborough Community Band. And he plays mostly saxophone.
“My grandfather was a saxophonist. He was the greatest influence,” Lefebvre said.
“I love that guy. He was a big figure in my life.”
In his spare time, Lefebvre enjoys CrossfFit. He said he will enter the 4th Annual Westborough Sprint Triathlon, which starts at 8 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 18 at Westborough State Hospital, off Lyman Street.
He also enjoys spending time with his family. He has two daughters, ages six and three.“My oldest daughter will be a first grader at Fales. So, we’ll try to do some of the events at Fales.” Lefebvre said.
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