Rhode Island Association of School Principals
National Distinguished Principal Recognition and RIASP Principals of the Year
Each year, the Rhode Island Association of School Principals, in conjunction with the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, recognizes outstanding school leaders in the following categories:
- The Elementary Principal of the Year (sponsored by AIG/VALIC)
- The Middle School Principal of the Year (sponsored by MetLife)
- The High School Principal of the Year (sponsored by MetLife)
- The Assistant Principal of the Year (sponsored by VIRCO)
- Outstanding First Year Principal (sponsored by RIASP)
National Distinguished Principals and RIASP Principals of the Year for 2009-2010
Deadlines for Nominations for Principal of the Year Awards
Assistant Principal of the Year: Nominations Due by October 16, 2009
Outstanding First Year Principal: Nominations Due by October 16, 2009
Elementary School Principal of the Year: Nominations Due by February 24, 2010
Middle School Principal of the Year: Nominations Due by November 6, 2009
High School Principal of the Year: Nominations Due by November 6, 2009
Deadlines for Nominees to submit Applications for Principal of the Year Awards
Applications for each of the five principal recognition programs are due into the RIASP office as follows:
Assistant Principal of the Year (NASSP member): November 6, 2009
Outstanding First Year Principal (either NAESP or NASSP member): December 8, 2009
Elementary Principal of the Year (NAESP member): March 22, 2010
Middle School Principal of the Year (NASSP member): January 11, 2010
High School Principal of the Year (NASSP member): January 11, 2010
To Receive an Application or for More Information:
Call the RIASP office at (401) 272-9811, extension 19.
National Distinguished Principals for 2007, 2008, and 2009
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2009: Nancy Nettik, West Kingston Elementary School, South Kingstown
2008: Michael Lazzareschi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, Providence
2007: Margaret Knowlton, Saylesville Elementary School, Lincoln
MIDDLE SCHOOL
2009: Lawrence Filippelli, Scituate Middle School, Scituate
2008: Michael Carbone, Kickemuit Middle School, Bristol-Warren
2007: Meredith (Merry) Caswell, Slater Middle School, Pawtucket
HIGH SCHOOL
2009: Daniel Warner, Narragansett High School
2008: Robert Littlefield, Portsmouth High School
2007: Colleen Gribbon, St. Mary’s Academy, Bayview
OUTSTANDING FIRST YEAR PRINCIPAL
2009: Melissa Marino, Lineman Elementary School and Wawaloam Elementary School, Exeter-West Greenwich
2008: Tracey McGee, Reynolds Elementary School, Bristol-Warren
Michael Hobin, Coventry High School
2006: Sonya Whipp, Guiteras Elementary School, Bristol-Warren
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
2009 Kim Granato, Birchwood Middle School, North Providence
2008: John LaFauci, Dr. Edward A. Ricci Middle School, North Providence
2007: Lucille Delasanta, North Providence High School
The Selection Process
Selection committees are established each year to oversee the five principal recognition programs. Each committee begins its work by reviewing the applications and the other materials that have been submitted by the candidates. On the basis of the paperwork that has been submitted, the committee selects two finalists.
The selection committee then conducts a site visit to the school of each finalist. During that visit, which typically lasts approximately two hours, committee members meet with the candidate, other members of the school and/or district administrative team, teachers, parents, and students. Everyone meeting with the selection committee is encouraged to be an advocate for his or her candidate.
After the visits the selection committee meets to discuss what they have observed and to reach a consensus about which candidate will be recommended to the Board of Directors. The name of the top candidate is then submitted by the RIASP Board of Directors for board approval.