Cornwall CSD Principal Named Middle School Principal of the Year

ALBANY, NY (04/28/2021) (readMedia)-- ALBANY, NY – Kate Polumbo, principal at Cornwall Central Middle School in the Cornwall Central School District, has been selected as the 2021 New York State Middle School Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). This award is given annually to a member of SAANYS and NAESP who is clearly committed to excellence, has programs designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students, and has firm ties to parents and the community.

A long-time educator since 2002, Polumbo has served as principal at Cornwall Central MS for nine years. During her tenure there, she has been instrumental in establishing a successful middle school transition program where students and families take part in a multi-stage program that culminates with students getting the chance to come into the building for a full day of fun. The students learn about middle school expectations, programs, activities, and what to expect, which reduces anxiety about moving up into middle school for fifth grade. As a result, both parents and students have reported that they feel more comfortable in school and teachers have reported that entering students are more confident, comfortable, and ready to learn.

Polumbo has also worked to increase parent support and involvement as well as making the middle school an open and friendly place to learn and grow. She initiated a No Place for Hate initiative at the school that provides an innovative model for the students by creating a more inclusive environment. This initiative was led by a committee of students, staff, and community members, in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), to make sure the school is an example of acceptance. As a result of her leadership, the ADL named the Cornwall Central Middle School a gold star school in 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. Commented parent Frank Hessari, "Early on, I realized how genuine and dedicated Mrs. Polumbo is as a person and middle school principal. I always have been very impressed with her leadership and communication skills dealing with so many different children from different backgrounds."

She has also implemented staff team building and recognition events, as well as cross grade level and department workshops for professional development. Commented Assistant Principal David Wright, "Every day at work, I have a coach and mentor in her. She is someone I go to for advice and to help me hone my craft. Day after day, I have someone, which despite all of her other responsibilities, is always there for me and someone who has always taken the time to help me grow."

Commented Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Megan Argenio, "ln times of crisis, Kate can be counted on and presents a confidence that reassures everyone around her. She has led her school community through tragedies dealing with the loss of staff, a student, parent members, and most recently dealing with the daily turmoil of running a building during COVID. Kate continues to meet each day and each challenge with a positive can-do mindset."

Polumbo received her bachelor of science in education (physical education) from SUNY Cortland, her master of science in education (school administration), and her certificate of advanced study in school leadership from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

As New York's Middle School Principal of the Year for NAESP, Polumbo will be celebrated at the national level by NAESP as a National Outstanding Principal.

SAANYS represents nearly 8,000 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

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