Meet Northeast School's New Principal

VERNON, CT — Northeast School has a new principal, a homegrown educator who's getting to know students and parents and working to ensure students keep achieving.

Melissa Ross grew up in Vernon and attended Skinner Road, Vernon Center Middle School and Rockville High School. She then headed off to the University of Connecticut.

It was a natural progression back to Vernon, she said, because it is a community that has always supported education.

Ross began her teaching career at Lake Street School, then went back to school to become an administrator. In all, Ross earned a bachelor’s in education with a concentration in mathematics, a master’s in special education specializing in literacy, and sixth-year degrees in educational leadership, all from UConn.

That took her to a position as resident principal at Center Road School, then assistant principal at Burns Latino Studies Academy in Hartford.

She returned to Vernon 10 years ago to work as the supervisor for special education for elementary schools.

Ross began her new position at Northeast School on Dec. 1, replacing Brenda Greene, who retired in July.

She described the opportunity to work with Northeast students, faculty and parents as "an honor and a pleasure."

She added, "I'm coming into a wonderful school with students who are excited to learn because the teachers make learning exciting," Ross said. "Northeast School has a tradition of achievement. Being the person who is empowered to continue that tradition of excellence and having the responsibility to take Northeast School to the next step is an honor."

Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary said Ross is the perfect choice for the principal's spot at Northeast.

"Her knowledge, abilities and skills will make her an excellent instructional leader at Northeast School, making a difference in the lives of all children," Macary said.

"The Board of Education is excited to welcome Melissa Ross in her new role as principal at Northeast School," school board chairman Paul Grabowski said. "Ms. Ross has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Vernon Public Schools, and has been a tremendous asset to the district. We look forward to the enthusiasm and professionalism that we know Ms. Ross will bring to her position, and wish her continued success in this new role."

Ross said she loves welcoming students as they arrive for school.

"They are so happy when they enter the building," Ross said. "Our students are a true gift and their smiles light up our hallways."

Ross said she looks forward to wishing students well at the end of a successful school day and tells them, "See you again tomorrow morning.”

The morning and afternoon routines also give Ross the opportunity to talk with students and parents, many of whom walk their children to school. Northeast has a high volume of walkers.