Warwick Valley School District welcomes new school administrators

WARWICK — The Warwick Valley School Board has appointed four new administrators for the 2016-17 school year:

Elementary associate principal

Dianne Connolly has been appointed elementary associate principal and will serve at Sanfordville and Park Avenue Elementary Schools.
A 22-year resident of Warwick, Connolly has served the district for the past 15 years, most recently as instructional technology facilitator.
“I'm particularly excited about my new role and the opportunity to work with all students, families and staff of Warwick’s elementary schools," Connolly said in the district's press release announcing the appointments. "Together, and with the support of the larger community, I'm confident we will continue to grow our reputation as a district of excellence.”

Middle school secondary associate principals

The Warwick Valley Middle School has two new secondary associate principals in Kris DeFilippis and Melanie Lofaro.
DeFilippis was formerly a social studies teacher at PS 71 in the Bronx and chairperson of the English department at Greenburgh Graham School District.
“My experience with diverse student populations has shaped my educational mantra," DeFilippis said. "I believe that every student can be successful when equipped with a push of creativity and the tools needed to approach learning confidently.
“Over the last two months, I have learned that Warwick is a hard-working, purposeful and energetic town," he added. "I am truly humbled and eager to make a contribution to this community and its youth.”
Secondary associate principal Melanie Lofaro comes to Warwick from the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, where she was director of school support.
“To say I am excited to become a part of the Warwick community is an understatement," Lofaro said. "I look forward to working alongside Mrs. Spindler and Mr. DeFilippis to support the students and faculty of Warwick Valley Middle School, and to grow as an instructional leader.”

Secondary high school associate principal

Meanwhile, Stephen Sweeney joins Warwick Valley High School as a secondary associate principal.
Sweeney brings 26 years of teaching experience to the district. For the past 24 years, he taught physics, including honors and college-credit dual enrollment at Nanuet High School, where he also served as the science department coordinator.
Since starting at WVHS on July 1, he has been focused on getting to know the building and its operations, and has enjoyed meeting some of the faculty and staff.
“It’s been an exciting time," Sweeney said. "I look forward to meeting the students and becoming a part of the Warwick Valley school community as the year progresses. You can expect to see me at athletic events, concerts, performances, fund raisers, and other community events. So, feel free to walk up and say hello.”

Middle school principal

Finally, in March, the Board of Education appointed Lisamarie Spindler principal of Warwick Valley Middle School, effective July 1.
Spindler previously served the district for over two years as associate principal at the high school.