Dear NMS Staff, Student, Parents, and Northbridge Community Members,

I am pleased to announce that Mary Ellen Mega has been appointed as the new Northbridge Middle School Principal. Mary Ellen will assume her new position on July 1, 2010. The Northbridge Middle School Leadership Team for the 2010-2011 school year will be Ms. Mega, Principal, Ms. Carroll, Assistant Principal and Mr. Meagher, Assistant Principal.

Ms. Mega brings a strong educational background to this new position. She has worked as an administrator in the Mansfield Public Schools for 5 years, including as the Principal of Qualters Middle School and the Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Prior to that, she was a teacher, team leader, and department chair at the Gibbons Middle School in Westborough for 9 years, and worked as a teacher and K-8 Curriculum Specialist in the Nashoba Regional School District for 2 years.

Mary Ellen’s educational philosophy focuses on embracing all facets of student growth and development, which is especially important at the middle school level. In explaining her vision, she states, “Middle schools must maintain high academic standards but at the same time reflect on the social, emotional, and developmental needs of young adolescents. We must understand…the stressors placed on them by society, and how these impact them academically. We must not lose sight of the academic goals but we must be willing to make adjustments to best meet the needs of our students.”

Mary Ellen is described as “a dynamic and collaborative leader who inspires others to contribute to the school culture.” Please help me to extend congratulations and best wishes to Mary Ellen.

Sincerely,

Sue

Susan M. Gorky

Superintendent of Schools