Croton-Harmon Assistant Principal Named an Assistant Principal of the Year

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Michael Plotkin

ALBANY, NY (04/08/2015)(readMedia)-- ALBANY, NY – Michael Plotkin, assistant principal at Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School in the Croton-Harmon Union Free School District, has been selected as a 2015 New York State Assistant Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). This program promotes educational excellence for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade (PreK-8) schooling and calls attention to the fundamental importance of the assistant principal.

Plotkin has served as an educator since 1993 and has been in his current position at Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School since 2007. Recognizing the unique social needs of middle school students, during his first year, Plotkin established a very successful three-pronged approach to changing the culture of the school. He implemented the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports, and a middle school advisory program, for which he wrote the curriculum. Commented Carrie Beja, school counselor at Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School, "His innate understanding of the students' need for belonging and emotional closeness with both their peers and the adults around them has undoubtedly helped fuel this highly successful program. By also understanding that no child can ever learn unless they feel safe – physically, socially, and emotionally – he has created an environment where all students can flourish and take risks."

Plotkin is known as a committed and compassionate leader within his school. Commented Principal Barbara Ulm, "Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School is truly a different place today because of the tireless and ongoing work of Michael Plotkin. Thanks to the leadership of Michael Plotkin, the school is a safe and welcoming place where students grow and thrive."

Noted Superintendent of Schools Edward Fuhrman, "Michael represents the best in our profession. He is a true educational leader who always keeps what's best for children at the center of his work. Michael is a compassionate leader, a great teammate, and a consummate professional."

Plotkin received his bachelors and masters degrees in history from the City University of New York at Brooklyn College, and his advanced certification in school leadership from the Teachers College of Columbia University.

Plotkin will be honored for his accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 8 at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany, New York. As the New York State Assistant Principal of the Year for NAESP, Plotkin will be celebrated as a National Outstanding Assistant Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals at a recognition program sponsored by NAESP and VOYA Financial in Washington, DC.

SAANYS represents nearly 7,200 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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