Rondout Valley CSD Principal Named Middle School Principal of the Year

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Charles Tadduni

ALBANY, NY (03/21/2018) (readMedia)-- Charles Tadduni, principal at Rondout Valley Junior High School in the Rondout Valley Central School District, has been selected as a 2018 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 has set the pace, character, and quality of education for the children in his or her school. Nominees are administrators who are committed to the students, families, and staff in their learning communities and have shown exceptional contributions to the educational process.

Nominated by a large team of faculty, staff, parents, and students, Tadduni is known throughout the district as an exceptional visionary and compassionate leader. Noted senior crisis counselor David Mahoskey, Jr., "Charlie's caring nature towards everything work related, and his goal of having Rondout Valley become recognized as a higher achieving school, is evident by the positive environment that he has created." Commented teaching assistant Marcelle Dugan-Hasenflue, "Sometimes words are not enough. How do you explain compassion, kindness, awesomeness, dedication, strength, and understanding all in one word?" A student described Tadduni this way, "Mr. Tadduni helped me to learn that you get what you give. It feels like he really sees me when I'm with him."

Tadduni is tireless in his support of all students, said special education teacher Ashley Woodill, "He proves time after time, that he believes in providing all students on all levels with the opportunity to access and excel in public education." And when special education students compete in the Special Olympics, he has been known to spend hours working the grill to help feed the families during the all day games. He embodies the school's mission and is appreciated by even the youngest students, one of whom commented, "He makes me laugh and cooked breakfast for us."

As an administrator in a school where rising poverty levels have raised the number of students receiving free and reduced lunch from 20 percent to almost 50 percent in less than five years, Tadduni has implemented several innovative programs. He facilitated a book study on "Teaching with Poverty in Mind" for the teaching staff to develop a greater understanding of the challenges that living in poverty has on the students in the district. Realizing that healthy nutrition is key to learning, he wrote a grant to become a "Farm to School" building where they partner with local growers to utilize locally grown produce. The school also houses several gardens and a greenhouse and serves more whole foods in the cafeteria. In an effort to help support students in managing stress, Tadduni has implemented mindfulness trainings as well as a yoga club after school and during recess. Two sensory rooms support students with varying disabilities, and finally, he will soon be initiating a Restorative Justice program at the school as well.

Commented Speech/Language Pathologist, Judy Traficanti, "It is such a pleasure working with Mr. Tadduni. The positive atmosphere he sets in our middle school makes me love going to work every day." Parent Pamela Jones noted, "My son and daughter had the honor of going to a school lead by Mr. Tadduni and I thank him for helping them to be better people and leaders."

Tadduni received his bachelor and master of arts degrees from SUNY New Paltz, and School Building Leader certificate from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Tadduni will be honored for his accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 4 at the Century House in Latham, New York. As New York's Middle School Principal of the Year for NAESP, Tadduni will be celebrated as a National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals at a recognition program sponsored by NAESP this fall 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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