John Cissel Installed as 11th Head of Harbor Country Day School

On December 5, Harbor Country Day School students, teachers, administrators, parents, and Board members joined New York State Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R,C,I-Smithtown) to officially install John Cissel as the 11th Head of School at Harbor Country Day School.

During the ceremony, students presented Mr. Cissel with gifts that symbolize his role as Head of School: a compass, to help him navigate through the future of Harbor Country Day; a baseball bat, which represents the teamwork and integrity required of professional athletes and heads of school alike; and an architectural model, which demonstrates the forethought and vision necessary to design, build, and lead institutions such as Harbor Country Day.

“I was honored to see the students play such an integral role in this ceremony,” said Mr. Cissel. “They are the driving force behind everything we do here at Harbor. The children were the reason I became a teacher, and they’ve been the inspiration behind every decision I have made in my administrative career as well. That’s why I am so thrilled to have this opportunity to lead Harbor into the future -- because Harbor truly embodies the child-centered philosophy that is at the core of any exceptional educational institution.”

“Mr. Cissel’s passion, resourcefulness, and integrity were all things we were looking for in a Head and are very happy to have found,” said Sue Ryan, Vice-Chair of Harbor Country Day’s Board of Trustees. “The board is pleased to be working closely with Mr. Cissel to ensure that Harbor’s future is bright for many years to come.”

Assemblyman Fitzpatrick applauded Mr. Cissel on his installation: “It is my pleasure to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Cissel on this occasion. Harbor Country Day has been a valued part of this community for so many years. I know the school is in excellent hands and I look forward to seeing the school continue to thrive and grow under his leadership.”

Mr. Cissel joined Harbor Country Day in the position of Head of Academic Affairs in June 2011. In that position, he was an integral part of the school’s administrative team and was responsible for oversight of the program, the faculty, and students in grades K-8. In 2013, he was named Assistant Head of School, in addition to continuing in his role of Dean of Academic Affairs. He was named Head of School at Harbor Country Day in October 2014. Friday’s ceremony marks the official installation of Mr. Cissel as Head of School.

About Harbor Country Day School

Founded in 1958 by conscientious parents, Harbor Country Day School is an independent, co-educational day school for children from preschool through 8th grade situated in St. James’ Village of Head of the Harbor. The school employs a whole-child approach to education, wherein its rigorous curriculum is supported by a broad program in its academic, athletic, advisory, and visual and performing arts departments designed to develop all aspects of each child’s talents and interests. Harbor Country Day School’s summer camp program, Camp Harbor, is among the leading summer camp programs on Long Island. The school’s mission to “cherish childhood, cultivate wonder, and inspire confident learners and leaders” underscores every child’s experience at Harbor Country Day School and ensures that all of its graduates are prepared to lead fulfilling lives filled with wonder, confidence, and many successes.

Harbor Country Day School is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and is accredited by and a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). It is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization under section 501(c) (3) of the IRS Code governed by a self-perpetuating board of trustees. For more information, visit www.hcdsny.org.