Schools

Western Coventry School Welcomes New Principal

Amy Anzalone was appointed to the position at Monday's School Committee meeting.

 

At Monday's meeting of the Coventry School Committee, dozens of administrators and members of the school community gathered to congratulate the new leader of Western Coventry Elementary School.

Western Coventry second grade teacher Amy Anzalone, was appointed by Committee members to the position of Principal for the 2013-2014 school year. She will be replacing longtime principal Janice Sullivan, who is retiring at the end of this school year following several months of medical leave and the decision to spend quality time with her grandchildren.

Find out what's happening in Coventrywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Apart from teaching, Anzalone served the majority of the school year as an Administrative Intern providing service and support to students, staff and parents of the school. She is well-known throughout the community for the steadfast assistance she provides in regards to school events and extracurricular activities, and was formally recognized at a 2009 School Committee meeting for volunteering her time as the choreographer, lighting coordinator and costume designer for Western Coventry's annual talent show.

In May 2011, she was appointed by the Committee to a 2-year position as Professional Development Coordinator for the District, during which time she helped establish a comprehensive assessment system for the district's elementary schools that was recognized by the RI Dept. of Education (RIDE) in 2012. 

Find out what's happening in Coventrywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I'm sorry to have Jan leaving the district, but I can't think of a better person to take her place," said Committee Chair Kathy Patenaude.

"One of the most rewarding responsibilities as a principal is working with different educators and staff and watching them grow," said Sullivan on Monday night. "In my 25 years of service, I've never met anyone like Amy Anzalone. She is truly in a league of her own. I've had the privilege of having a reciprocal relationship with Amy and I've learned as much from her as she has from me." 

"I'm overwhelmed and honored," said Anzalone. "I can't think of a better person's footsteps to follow in than Jan's. I want to thank Dr. Almeida and the School Committee for this appointment. It really is my dream."

"I proudly hand you the baton, knowing that you will passionately lead Western Coventry School, the community and the district in the best interest of children, teaching and learning," Sullivan continued. "I'm so proud of you, Amy."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here