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New principal passes on life lessons he learned growing up poor
By Brent Killackey
RACINE - Jerstad-Agerholm Middle School's new principal, Alfredo CintrÓn, visits a thrift shop a couple times of year just for the smell.
That musty odor from racks of previously worn clothes reminds him of his childhood days growing up "dirt poor" in Puerto Rico and Camden, N.J.
"I tell the young people here, I never want to forget from whence I've come," CintrÓn, 49, said. "That smell reminds me (that) from sixth grade to 12th grade, all my clothing came from thrift shops, and while I can go now to the Boston Store, Wal-Mart (and) Kohl's to buy my stuff, I never want to forget my roots."
As principal, CintrÓn said he hopes students in poverty can identify with him - a recognition that "he's walked through there," and he hopes that's inspirational, sending a message: "If this man can do it, I can do it."
His knowledge of similar initiatives, which had been part of his doctorate research, impressed his interviewers in RUSD.
"He understands what needs to be accomplished for kids in an urban setting and trying to close the achievement gap," said Area Superintendent Jose Martinez, who was among the three people who interviewed principal candidates.
On a recent morning, he's like a traffic cop at an intersection. He extends one arm and directs the mass of approaching students just released from class.
"Alright young people, let's go to the right," CintrÓn said, trying to establish orderly movement through the halls. "To the right."
Keeping visible is part of his practice of leadership, he said.
What his practice of leadership doesn't seem to include is remaining stationary, at least when supervising students. Whether in the hallways or cafeteria, he's constantly moving to give encouragement or tackle minor misbehavior.
He's in the cafeteria during lunch periods, a routine he plans to keep for at least the first couple of months.
As students line up for lunch, he reminds them to say "please" and "thank you."
He encourages one student who was dining alone to get involved at school.
"Come to the dance," CintrÓn said about an event scheduled for the following evening. "You'll get to see me do the Boogaloo."
He commends another student who was spending part of his lunch period to get an early start on homework. He tells the student to stop by his office and ask his secretary for a special pencil, a small reward he's giving out to students.
The students all call him Dr. CintrÓn, which sparked a question from one middle school girl: "Why are you a doctor?" CintrÓn explained that he holds a doctorate of education from Cardinal Stritch University. He also holds a master's degree in educational leadership from Marian College and a bachelor's degree in elementary and bilingual education from Asbury College. His work in education has been varied: Everything from bilingual education to assistant principal.
He's also got a master's degree in divinity and, for a time, he was involved in a variety of ministry positions with the United Methodist Church. In a sense, it's through the church that he's no stranger to Racine. CintrÓn's father-in-law was a pastor at United Methodist Church in the city.
CintrÓn was born in Puerto Rico, a commonwealth in association with the United States. His family moved to Camden, N.J., in the late 1960s. Gangs were a constant draw for the youth of Camden and CintrÓn nearly headed down that dangerous path, except for a teacher who steered him elsewhere, he said. He earned an academic scholarship to Asbury College in Kentucky. There, he chose to pursue a career in teaching.
CintrÓn is married with three children. Milwaukee is currently home and he's not sure that will change in the immediate future.
CintrÓn's goals for Jerstad-Agerholm Middle School include increasing student achievement and making sure teachers have the support and resources to do that; upgrading the school's technology; and, increasing parental involvement.
"When parents see this is a happening place, they'll want to get involved," he said.
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