New Middle School Assistant Principal Prepared

Maryellen Grady’s office is decorated in bright shades of pink and green giving the room a warmth that is matched by her smile. 

The new assistant principal is ready to welcome the students’ of back for the 2011-2012 school year.

Grady has had a long career in the teaching profession.  She began teaching in 1977 in Newport, New Hampshire where she taught English.  She also spent ten years teaching in Blackstone Millville before being hired in Hopkinton nine years ago.

Grady was amazed at how supported the teaching staff at Hopkinton was when she started.

"The first year I worked in Hopkinton, it was like working in Disneyland,” Grady said.  "In previous school systems I had little supplies. Here I had everything I needed and the teachers and administration were amazing."

It is with some nostalgia that Grady leaves the role of teaching. 

“I will miss the everyday constant interaction with the kids," Grady said. "I will also miss teaching literature, interacting with students and books that I love, and teaching the great value of reading.” 

But Grady is looking forward to the challenges ahead. 

"It has been a trial by fire, and not at all what I expected but I am ready for it,"  Grady said.

Grady is particularly excited about being able to influence so many more young lives every year. 

“I want to be able to help all the students as they come through the middle school and bring a sense of fun to the school.” Grady said.

 “I am not going to miss grading all those essays,” she quipped.

In addition, Grady is really looking forward to working with parents and above all staff. 

 “It is amazing the talent that I have seen come through the doors while conducting interviews," Grady said. "I want to help mentor and celebrate with teachers.”

Kate Speckerman, one of  Grady’s former students, had this to say about her appointment. 

“That is awesome.  She is such a good teacher, so nice.  She is going to make a great assistant principal.”