Valley Stream Principal Honored for Outstanding Leadership in Elementary Education

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John Singleton

ALBANY, NY (05/05/2015)(readMedia)-- ALBANY, NY – John Singleton, principal of Clear Stream Avenue School in the Valley Stream Union Free School District 30, has been selected as the 2015 recipient of the T. Walsh McQuillan Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

T. Walsh McQuillan served the children and educational leaders of New York State throughout his life. He was the fist person to serve in joint capacity as executive secretary to the predecessors of SAANYS and was an outstanding contributor to elementary education throughout his career. This award is given annually to a SAANYS member and administrator who has strong leadership skills and has made exceptional contributions to elementary education.

The principal of this culturally diverse elementary school since 2010, and an educator since 1996, Singleton has strived to foster a culture of inclusiveness and provide unique opportunities to the students at Clear Stream Avenue School. Through his leadership and participation in the Courageous Conversations program, he developed a partnership with a "sister" school in South Africa. Discussions between the schools have opened up via teleconferencing and have given the students the ability to have real-time discussions on race and social justice. Commented Nicholas Stirling, superintendent of schools, "Mr. Singleton's most recent work with the children of South African schools and children of Clear Stream Avenue School represents vision for future activities focused on global education."

As the leader of a multicultural school serving families representing 49 countries, Singleton has worked to provide a welcoming environment based on respect and acceptance, believing that feeling welcomed as part of the school community is the pathway to success. To that end, he participates in the Long Island Consortium of Excellence and Equity that meets monthly to discuss and share ways of including the school's culturally diverse community into the educational process. Noted sixth grade teacher, Richard Mansfield, "During the last five years with Mr. Singleton as our building leader, our sense of school community has taken a dramatic turn for the better. He has been able to connect with our diverse parent/student body, inspire, and motivate our faculty and staff, as well as raise student achievement in this ever-changing climate of educational reform."

Continued Stirling, "In a world where there is social unrest, police brutality, school violence, and family dysfunction, someone has to ask the question 'what about the children?' John Singleton asks that question and reminds us that we are here to educate the whole child. Thus, he continually leads on developing social and emotional programs as well as resources to support our students."

Singleton received his bachelors degree in government from Georgetown University, his masters degree in secondary education and youth services from Queens College, and his masters degree in administration and supervision from the College of New Rochelle.

Singleton will be honored for his accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 8 at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany, New York.

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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