Elwood Appoints New Middle School Principal

During a recent vote from the Elwood Union Free School District’s Board of Education, Dr. Christina Sapienza was unanimously selected as Elwood Middle School’s new principal.

Beginning her new role on July 17, Dr. Sapienza filled the position previously held by Dr. Hugh Gigante. In May, Dr. Gigante announced that he would be leaving the district to take on his new role as executive director of personnel for the Western Suffolk BOCES.

Dr. Sapienza joins Elwood after nine years of administrative work as a middle school assistant principal in the Commack and Oceanside school districts. At the start of her educational career, Dr. Sapienza was a special educator in the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District.

“I couldn't be more excited to join the Elwood Community,” said Dr. Sapienza. “I continue to be so impressed with the student-centered approach, innovative instructional practices, as well as the focus on community engagement. I look forward to the great work happening at the middle school where we will continue to focus on academic excellence, developmental responsiveness and social equity.”

Her successful academic career spans from her doctorate in educational leadership from Concordia University to a master’s degree in education with a concentration in literacy from LIU Post. She also completed her administrative certification program at the College of Saint Rose and earned a bachelor’s degree in child study from St. Joseph’s College.

“Dr. Sapienza’s understanding of the true middle school philosophy and her manner of addressing the unique needs of the adolescent learner were very attractive to me, the stakeholder search committee and the board of education,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert. “She presents as a leader who will always put the needs of the students first.”

Story by Syntax, Photo courtesy of the Elwood Union Free School District: Dr. Christina Sapienza was appointed as the new principal of Elwood Middle School.