I sat down today with our new principal this year at Newington High School: Mrs. Tigno! I asked her a few different questions about her experience here so far as the head principal of NHS, and I learned a few things about her along the way.  

 

Q1: What made you want to become principal of Newington High School?

A1: To be honest, I actually didn’t give much thought to it.  I loved being the associate principal here, and my main focus is the students. So, I was actually a little bit afraid that if I became the principal, I’d have less involvement with the students. When I was given the opportunity to try it as principal, I jumped at the chance because I wanted to see what it was like. Since beginning in July, I absolutely love it! I actually have more contact with the students and feel I have a greater impact on the school as a whole.  I see a variety of students, and because I have been in hundreds of classrooms, I have more involvement with the students and staff, and it’s been great!

 

Q2: Have you enjoyed your first month here at NHS?

A2: Yes! One hundred percent! It’s actually more than I thought it would be. The 3 House Principals and myself greet the students every morning at the main entrance, so we start the day off on a positive note and that positive energy continues throughout the day.

 

Q3: Do you have a favorite memory that you have experienced here so far?

A3: For me, it would be going into the classrooms and getting to see students learning, having a good time, and making connections with their teachers.  But I think that my favorite memory so far would be how we came together as a family to raise over $1300 for the Heavenly Hats Foundation.

 

Q4: When you were in high school. Did you ever see yourself being the head principal of high school?

A4: I graduated from Newington High School in 1988, so at that time it was probably the farthest thing from my mind. I went to Bentley College to pursue a degree in accounting. I did that field for a little bit, and then it was when I decided to coach the Lewis Mills High School Swim Team, I realized that my passion was to work with students.  I then went back to school at St. Joseph College in West Hartford, where I earned my teaching certification and my masters and then Sacred Heart University, where I earned my sixth year degree/Professional Certificate in Administration.  After teaching for 6.5 years, both at Fitch High School in Groton, CT and East Hartford High School, I took an Assistant Principal position at Middletown High School.  After having my first daughter and returning from maternity leave, I saw an assistant principal position opened at Newington.  I applied and was hired in July, 2006 and the rest is history.  I will never leave!

 

Q5: How do you handle all of the responsibility of being principal?

A5: That’s a good question. I guess to me, it’s having a great team behind me. I have an extremely supportive administrative staff, a talented group of teachers and support staff, and a wonderful student body. For example, Heavenly Hats was something that I wanted to do, so I gave the idea to the Student Council and they ran with it. The “I Believe that We Will Learn” challenge turned out better than I could ever have imagined.  This job cannot be done alone, and I am very grateful for my Newington High School Family of Learners for their energy, support, and hard work.  In addition, I can multitask very well, and it has become one of my strengths. You kind of have to be able to in this position because so many things come up at one time, and often without warning.  

 

Q6: Has it been easy or hard to connect with the students in the high school?

A6: Being the principal, it has actually been easier. When I was the associate principal, I connected mostly with the students that came to my office. But in this position, kids don’t really come down to my office, so I have to go out more in the classrooms, the front door in the morning, sporting events, and now I get to run student leadership meetings. So, I actually see and feel I connect with more students in this position.

 

Q7: What is the most exciting part about your job as principal?

A7: For me, it’s all about the students. It always has been and always will be. I get excited when students get excited, whether it be through learning, through social events, or through extra-curricular activities. It’s about our Family of Learners. That’s what I look forward to every single day!