Filling "Big Shoes" at Underwood Elementary

Newton Patch recently spoke with Kathleen Zimmerman, who joins  this year as the school's new principal. She follows in the footsteps of former Principal David Castelline, who was at Underwood for 19 years. Zimmerman tells us a little bit about what it's been like coming to Newton and what she is looking forward to in the 2011-2012 school year. 

Q. What did you do before coming to Newton?
A. I was an assistant principal in the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District and prior to that I taught in the Hingham Public Schools. 

Q. Where did you earn your degrees?
A. I started my undergrad degree at UMass Amherst and finished at UMass Boston. I then went back for my master's degree at Simmons College and while I was teaching in Hingham, I took courses at Fitchburg State for educational leadership. 

Q. How does your Newton job compare to those you've had in the past?
A. The level of support in the Newton Public Schools is tremendous. People really value education in Newton and they have high standards, and as a result of that, the public schools are incredible.

When I visited the school in May, I toured each classroom and introduced myself. The students had an opportunity to ask me questions and the very first question I received when visiting the fifth grade was, "What inspired you to be a principal?" The children are so incredibly thoughtful and I just love it so far.

Q. What has been your favorite part about coming to Newton?
A. The level of support that you receive. Right from the people at the Education Center, the parents and teachers -- it's been an incredible, welcoming group and the people that I have met so far have really communicated that they are there to support me in my role so I can, in turn, support the teachers and the students to make the school the best possible school it can be.

One of my first days working in Newton (I signed on July 1), Superintendent David Fleishman came over to make sure I didn't have any questions and to let me know he was there to support me. Assistant Superintendent Joe Russo has done the same. 

I've met with parents throughout the summer and the PTO -- they're here to support me so I can support the school and we really can focus on how we can improve. That is really incredible. I had five bouquets of flowers in my office welcoming me into the new school year, it's been an incredible start. 

Q. What has been one of the biggest challenges you've faced since coming to Newton?
A. It's my first principal position, so that alone is certainly a challenge. That being said, I'm following someone who was in the (principal) position for 19 years, so I have some big shoes to fill. That is going to be the biggest challenge.

Q. What are some of your goals for the 2011-2012 school year?
A. I am still in a period right now where I'm trying to learn as much as possible, so I have been interviewing teachers, parents, curriculum coordinators and central office staff to really get a sense of the community, the school and the people working here. I've gathered quite a bit of data and from there, I am going to create an Underwood Advisory Committee, which will be mostly staff working with me to take a look at what the strengths of the school are and what the concerns and issues are going to be. 

I want to involve as many staff members as possible to make the transition as smooth as possible and to help move the school forward, with them being invested in the changes we make. 

Q. What are you looking forward to in the 2011-2012 school year?
A. I'm really looking forward to becoming a member of the Underwood community. There are so many things that happen, from music programs to PTO events. I'm also looking forward to welcoming students to the school and attending PTO meetings and feeling like I'm really a part of it.

The community is just so wonderful and I'm so happy to be here. I can't wait to feel ownership of it.

Q. What is an interesting fact about your self or something most people may not know about you?
A. I have a 3-year-old daughter named Mia who I spend just about all my time with.