New Morse Principal Embraces Role, Community

With the departure of former W.L. Morse School Principal Meghan Fitzgerald at the end of the 2009-2010 school year, the Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns turned to former New York City teacher and administrator Rosemary Prati to help the school flourish.

Prati, a resident of New City, said she was initially attracted to the district's unique and open community, as well as its focus on "personalized instruction" for students.

"I really like the diversity that exists in this community; and this community's approach to diversity," she said. "I think it's very forward thinking."

Despite the consolidation of buildings and resources due to budget cuts heading into the new year, Prati said the operations in the building now housing the first and second graders in the district are going smoothly.

"We are learning our new systems and working each day to put them in place," she said, "and I feel that it's going well."

According to Prati, the students have also easily transitioned into the new building.

"The students are very bright and very eager to learn," she said. "They seem to be loving their new building and they are adapting well."

Students are particularly enjoying the opportunity to explore the newly renovated playground, which has an additional playset for first graders and a soft play area that's suitable for soccer games.

Although Prati was brought on board after the decision to close Tappan Hill Elementary School, the district's former kindergarten building, she feels the closure was in the best interest of the students.

"It's a hard economic time all over, and I think the budget decisions made were the best that support students," she said. "We saved our programs and I think that was a very wise decision."

Prati is eager to interact with the teachers and students at Morse and solidify the school as a strong academic forum for the elementary-age students.

"In my first year, my focus is to learn about the community and learn about the teachers here and what they do so well," she said. "It's something I don't fully know at this point."

The new principal hopes students grow into exemplary "readers, writers, scientists, mathematicians" and leave in June with permanent ideals about how to succeed.

"All students can be successful and there are many different forms of success," said Prati. "We've only just begun, but, it's truly a delight to be here."