Interim Assistant Principal Chosen For Hommocks

MAMARONECK, NY — A new assistant principal will be starting at Hommocks Middle School in July. Margaret Groninger, English teacher and department chairwoman at Mamaroneck High School, will move to Hommocks as interim assistant principal beginning July 1. Groninger will join Emily Macias-Capellan, who is the current Hommocks assistant and was named interim principal in January, and Assistant Principal Rob Andrews on the leadership team at the middle school for the 2018-2019 school year.

The Hommocks administration changes come as a result of Dr. Seth Weitzman's retirement at the end of this school year. Weitzman, who has led the middle school for the past 17 years, is only the second principal in the history of Hommocks, according to a district spokeswoman.

Groninger joined Mamaroneck in 1998 after receiving her master of arts in teaching of English at Fordham University. She has taught English from ninth grade to Advanced Placement and has served as English Department chairwoman since 2012.

"We are thrilled to have Margaret join the Hommocks leadership team,” said Annie Ward, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. “Margaret has been at the forefront of our high school's English curriculum work for the past several years, and now she will bring to the middle school her passion for teaching and learning, her strength in relationship building with students, parents and community members, and her nurturing concern for the whole child.”

Groninger worked closely with colleagues to design, develop and facilitate a robust independent reading program in grades 9-11. She assisted classroom teachers in sharing best practices, staying current with literature and committing to matching all kids with books. Her classroom instruction has included real-world writing and publishing experiences using technology platforms such as Blogger and Google Sites.

Groninger will complete her master of arts in educational leadership and administration this month and has joined Ward and other English teachers in representing the district's work by presenting at numerous national conferences.

"Hommocks will benefit from Margaret's strong knowledge of best literacy practices and her experience in secondary education," Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps said. "She has grown as a professional here in this district, and we welcome the chance to provide opportunities for our teacher leaders to continue their leadership journeys here in Mamaroneck."

"I love the energy of middle school students and their open minds," Groninger said. "The middle school years are an exciting yet fragile time so it is important that students are known, cared for, challenged and engaged. I look forward to working with faculty to help Hommocks students grow as readers, writers, critical thinkers and into confident young men and women."

Photo caption: Margaret Groninger. Photo credit: Mamaroneck Union Free School District.