West Islip: Kristin Kelly named high school assistant principal

West Islip High School welcomed a new assistant principal earlier this year.

Kristin Kelly, of Massapequa, has been appointed to the position and will replace Danielle Mammolito.

After serving as the social studies chairperson at Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, Kelly joined the West Islip Union Free School District. A former social studies instructional coach at Hempstead High School in Hempstead, Kelly was responsible for leading the department through changes in curriculum and instruction.

She also served as a social studies teacher at Beach Channel High School in Queens.

The district newcomer earned her bachelor’s degree in history, master’s degree in secondary education, and certificate of advanced studies in educational leadership from Hofstra University. Kelly considers herself a “forever learner,” and has begun an educational and policy leadership doctorate program at Hofstra. 

“I am truly grateful to the district and community for trusting me with the honor of serving as West Islip High School’s new assistant principal,” Kelly said.

Kelly will work alongside principal Anthony Bridgeman and fellow assistant principals Craig Gielarowski and Lynn Summers.

She said this position is an opportunity to assist in leading the high school through the unchartered waters of hybrid learning, to “ensure students are provided a rich, rigorous and meaningful learning experience.”

“If we want our students to value the art of learning, we need to demonstrate our love and willingness to learn, try new things and challenge ourselves in new ways,” Kelly said. “My words at home echo my words at work, in that I strongly believe we need to demonstrate the act of being a forever learner in order to create forever learners.”