St. Michael the Archangel School Welcomes a New Principal

This summer was a busy one at with changes to the administration and the buildings. The most noticeable change is the appearance of Lori Rutkiewicz as the new principal. For Rutkiewicz, the road to St. Michael’s was a familiar one.

Her family, firmly rooted in its faith, calls , which houses the primary school, its home parish.

Rutkiewicz also has strong ties to St. Michael’s. Her teaching career at St. Michael’s began as a short-term substitute for first grade. After that, she continued to serve as needed as a substitute teacher and was a member of St. Michael's school board. Her two older sons are also students at the school.

This history enabled her to get to know the school and faculty well. “I have a lot of faith in the school and faculty,” said Rutkiewicz. “Knowing the faculty well, it is an honor to have the opportunity to help lead and guide them.”

Rutkiewicz is no stranger to education. She began her career at Pennridge High School teaching English. She then turned a maternity leave into a 12-year hiatus, allowing her to spend more time at home with her children. During her absence from teaching full time, Rutkiewicz obtained her Principal Certification from Cabrini College, and is one class away from completion of her master's in education.

During her maternity leave, Rutkiewicz was able to return to teaching part time as a substitute, then took the principal's job at in 2009. After two successful years as principal, Rutkiewicz had the opportunity to become principal at St. Michael’s.

The theme for the school year is “Let His light shine.” Rutkiewicz's mission is “to help provide for the students all the necessary resources, academic and spiritual foundation to help them shine as best they can throughout their lives.”

Improvements to both buildings over the summer will help provide the physical resources for students to work toward this goal. The middle school, which houses grades 5-8, is opening with new landscaping, a remodeled office and additional classroom computers. The primary school, which houses grades K-4, has a newly remodeled office and had white boards and projectors added to many of the classrooms. Both schools are in Upper Saucon Township.

For Rutkiewicz, “Being a mom is what made me tick. Being a principal is right up there. It is very rewarding and something I am so passionate about. I am so fortunate to have such a career.”