It has truly been one of the highlights of my professional career to serve as Principal of River Elementary School for the past four years. When Dr. Jones retired last year, I thanked her for giving me this opportunity and for trusting me to lead what so many call the “jewel” of our district. I also told her—honestly—that while this wasn’t the promotion I envisioned at the time (I always thought of myself as a Middle or High School guy), it turned out to be exactly where I needed to be. I couldn’t imagine a better place to finish my career.

I am deeply appreciative of the dedicated group of teaching professionals I work alongside every day and of the way this community has embraced my nerdiness and quirky leadership style. I believe in practicing servant leadership and in the idea that it truly takes a village to run an elementary school. And what better village than the Village of Patchogue!

I am grateful for our outstanding PTA, which continues to grow in both numbers and the ways they support our school community. Together with our building staff, we strive to raise the academic bar for our students while creating an environment rooted in empathy and acceptance. Every day, wonderful things happen at River Elementary—from the small moments, like students being “caught being good,” to large-scale initiatives aimed at moving more students toward achieving and exceeding grade-level proficiency. Everything we do—big and small—we do together to make a difference in the lives of all of our students.

As Dr. Seuss once said:
“Children want the same things we want: to laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained, and delighted.”
That’s what we strive for every day at River Elementary School.

Thank you to all of our students, parents, teachers and staff, and to our at-large community partners including all of our local business owners, for being part of this journey and for helping make River Elementary School such a special place. You are all Otters for Life!