To the Editor:
I am both humbled and honored to write to the residents of Oak Bluffs and the Island for the first time as the new principal of the Oak Bluffs School. I hope the summer finds all of you happy and safe. Furthermore, I extend my heartfelt thanks and best wishes to former Principal Richie Smith for his many years of dedication and service to Oak Bluffs School, and will work hard to continue his legacy of excellence and love.
I am honored to have the opportunity to work with two men of integrity, Assistant Superintendent Richie Smith and Superintendent Matt D’Andrea. I know our school system is in great hands.
My first day on the job was July 13. Summer plans are already underway at the Oak Bluffs School, and our faculty and staff have begun working hard to complete the finishing touches for the 2015–16 school year: general maintenance, academic and strategic planning, etc. Bear in mind, working in an empty school absent of students and teachers is never the same, but before long, we’ll be hearing the joyful sounds of lockers opening and closing, school bells ringing, and laughter in the halls.
I would like to take this opportunity to first of all thank the taxpayers and residents of Oak Bluffs for their support of our students, faculty, and staff, and my educational philosophy.
For the past 28 years, in my various leadership roles, be it principal or superintendent serving children and adults in grades PK-12 in public, private, and parochial schools, my philosophy has always been summed up as “students first.” I believe educators must always put the best interest of students first in our decision making.
I believe that through unconditional love, we must care enough to challenge our students each and every day to do and be their best; to support their hopes and dreams; to laugh and if need be, cry, with them; to hold them accountable, but discipline with dignity and a lessons-learned approach; and to hire, train, and retain the best faculty and staff.
I believe a student’s parent or parents are the first, best, and most influential teachers in a child’s life. As an educator and parents of three grown children and two grandchildren, my wife and I live this credo 100 percent. That being stated, I will add that the faculty and staff of the Oak Bluffs School are dedicated and competent professionals who have high expectations, and are here to serve our children with that same unconditional love and high expectations.
My style of leadership is very “hands on.” I plan to visit classrooms every day as well as attend the various functions pertaining to academics, the arts, and athletics. This is by intention, as it’s important for me to get to know our kids, parents, and residents, as well as the dedicated faculty and staff I serve and lead. By the winter of 2016, I hope to conclude my structured interviews with the entire school faculty and staff. In addition, I invite parents and residents to visit and share their thoughts and feelings. These interviews will help me set the tone and establish a vision for the future by providing me with the opportunity to hear what people feel and think about our school. Please call me, or Michelle at 508-693-0951 to set up a time.
Know that I am deeply honored and humbled to serve the children, staff, and parents of the Oak Bluffs School.
Although my wife Anne Marie and I have spent nearly the past decade in Hawaii, I am a native New Englander, born and raised in an Italian-American family in western Massachusetts. However, since I was a boy I have loved everything about the Cape and the Islands, and have fond memories of our many vacations, hockey trips, and family time spent visiting the area. For now, I wish you a relaxing and enjoyable summer making memories with your family and friends, and invite you to stop by this summer to say hi if you’re in the area.
Principal Jack Rizzo
Oak Bluffs School
