Date: Fri 19-Jun-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: MICHEL

Quick Words:

schools-Siciliano-Hawley

Full Text:

Linda Siciliano To Step Down As Head Of Hawley

(with photo)

BY MICHELE HOGAN

Linda Siciliano is leaving her position as principal of Hawley School to

accept the principalship of Stadley Rough School in Danbury at the end of this

school year.

Mrs Siciliano said one of the things she likes best at Hawley is also a

strength at Stadley Rough School. Staff at both schools place each child's

success as paramount.

Unlike Hawley, Stadley Rough is a city school, with a highly diverse student

population. Starting in the fall, Stadley Rough will be piloting a new

bilingual program in both Spanish and Portuguese to best meet the needs of its

students.

Raised in New York City, Mrs Siciliano has had 16 years of experience working

in suburban schools. She said a change is good, and she is ready for a new

challenge.

Teachers, parents and students of Hawley School said they will miss her

greatly.

Superintendent of Schools John Reed said he is disappointed that Mrs Siciliano

will be leaving. He noted that he told Mrs Siciliano that "if you had told me

you were only going to stay for five or six years, I still would have hired

you."

Dr Reed has arranged for former Sandy Hook School Principal Ron Vitarelli to

be the acting principal of Hawley School. Mr Vitarelli will start August 1 and

remain as acting principal until a new principal is hired, sometime late fall

of 1998.

Mrs Siciliano said it is fitting for Mr Vitarelli to fill the gap. "Ron was my

mentor. He was here my first day at Hawley. I'll never forget how he welcomed

me with balloons everywhere," she said.

Mr Vitarelli has been principal of Hawley School before, for two years,

1975-1977. He then went on to serve as principal of Sandy Hook School for the

next 19 years.