For nine years, Helen Rossi has been principal of Martinez Jr. High. She has accepted a post as Director of Student Services and Secondary Support with the District office, and has stepped down from MJHS.
Rossi came to the Jr.High in 1992 as an 8th grade math teacher.
"I was a mid-year hire for a teacher who moved to LA," she said, "and then in 1999, one of two vice principals."
Making the move away from MJHS was not an easy decision for Rossi. "When (Superintendent) Rami (Muth) approached me about the position, my initial reaction was that I could not leave," she said.
"We are in the midst of major transformations at the school, especially with technology, and I needed to see them through. But after lots of thought and discussions with my family and other district administrators, I decided to take the challenge in the hopes of sharing some of my experiences and knowledge with other sites and staff throughout the district."
But it's a move that has some pretty powerful emotional resonance for Rossi.
"MJHS was the first teaching job I got when I moved to California from the East Coast," she said. "The staff became my friends and my family and soon after, the community my home. I have raised my children here and look forward to continuing to serve the students and parents of the MUSD for years to come."
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
