O’Donnell Middle School Principal Named Principal Of The Year

STOUGHTON, MA — The top middle school principal in the state goes to work at the O'Donnell Middle School in Stoughton.

Superintendent Marguerite Rizzi announced Friday that Principal Matthew Colantonio has been named the 2018 Principal of the Year by the Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators’ Association. Each year, organization recognizes a middle school principal and a high school principal for their outstanding leadership and service.

School staff members nominated Principal Colantonio for the award. The thorough nomination process included an a lengthy questionnaire with essay questions, an interview, a parent interview, a student interview and another colleague’s recommendation. This was Principal Colantonio’s first time being nominated and winning the award, according to a press release.

“It’s really quite a feeling to be recognized for doing something you love to do. I have just been lucky enough to work in a community with wonderful kids, parents, teachers, staff, and school administration,” he said in a release.

Principal Colantonio has been the principal of the O’Donnell Middle School for six years. He has implemented and improved numerous programs at the school so that all students feel supported and included. In his time as the school’s leader he has implemented a number of programs in a variety of areas including: arts, sports, science, tutoring labs, school spirit days, parent nights and school safety initiatives.

“We are all very proud of Matt. His school is a safe and welcoming place with a strong school culture that embraces and supports students academically, socially and emotionally,” Superintendent Rizzi said. “Every student in OMS is noticed, known, and cared for. Matt has ensured that the education provided to our students is well rounded and rich, with a lot of ways to explore a wide variety of subjects. Students understand that failure is not an option, because there are programs in place to support all students.”

Principal Colantonio has spent his entire teaching career in Stoughton. He began as a member of the English Department at Stoughton High School before entering a leadership role at O’Donnell Middle School. After, he became the principal of Stoughton High School and was later named the O’Donnell Middle School principal. Principal Colantonio has created a positive school-wide culture and works to make impactful changes in the school community.

A ceremony to honor Principal Colantonio for his accomplishment is being planned.

Image via Stoughton Public Schools

A press release was used in this article.