'Movember' is a global event that raises awareness of men's health issues. Male teachers grew mustaches as part of the monthlong event. McNeill is pictured with the school's mascot, a panther named 'John G.'
ANSONIA - Kudos go out today to Sherrod McNeill, Assistant Principal at John G. Prendergast Elementary School, on his recognition from the Connecticut Association of Schools.
McNeill has been named 2015 Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year.
Here is the letter from Principal Joseph Apicella being sent home with students today:
December 2014
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I am pleased to announce that our Assistant Principal, Mr. McNeill has been selected as the Connecticut Association of Schools 2015 Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year!
This award is given annually to an assistant principal who sets high standards for instruction, student achievement, character, and climate for students, families, and staffs in their learning communities.
To share a portion of his congratulatory letter from Connecticut Association of Schools Awards and Recognition Committee Chair, Paul Newton, regarding Mr. McNeill’s selection of this prestigious award, “It is a fitting tribute to a man who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and an unrivaled commitment to his students, school and community.” We could not agree more with these words.
Mr. McNeill will be formally recognized at a Connecticut Association of Schools event in October of 2015. The National Association of Elementary School Principals will also be showcasing the best practices of elementary assistant principals of the year from across the nation.
Please join me in congratulating Mr. McNeill on this award. This recognition should be shared by all members of the Prendergast School community, for it is only with your support that this is possible. Thank you for all your work in supporting education in Ansonia.
Mr. Apicella
Principal
*Update: Ansonia Superintendent of Schools Carol Merlone has shared her letter of recommendation for McNeill. The text follows:
*Update: Ansonia Superintendent of Schools Carol Merlone has shared her letter of recommendation for McNeill. The text follows:
October 24, 2014
Dear Colleague:
To reiterate the words of Eric Harvey, President and Founder of WalkTheTalk.com:
“For every person in every organization, there comes a moment when he or she must have the courage to step forward and meet the needs of the time. Regardless of whether your time is now or in the future you must be prepared and willing to seize that moment as a courageous leader!”
Mr. McNeill is this leader. He seizes the moment every time it presents itself within the school setting or out in the community. For example, in 2012 Mr. McNeill was the honoree and keynote speaker for the Julian Ann Taylor Award and in 2013 was presented the Outstanding Service to Community Award by the NAACP Ansonia, CT Chapter. During that same time period Mr. McNeill was also appointed to the Team Community Action Agency Board of Directors. To that end I must say that it gives me great pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Mr. Sherrod McNeill’s candidacy for the 2015 Outstanding Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year Award. Mr. McNeill began his tenure with the Ansonia School District in April of 2003 as an interim grade 6 math teacher at Ansonia Middle School. In August of 2003, Mr. McNeill was awarded a 5th grade teaching position at Mead Elementary. In 2009-2010 Mr. McNeill found himself once again at Ansonia Middle School. This time he served as an Administrative Intern to the Principal. Within two years he was appointed as the Assistant Principal of the largest elementary school in the district. With approximately 700 students and 100 staff members, Mr. McNeill’s mission is to create a culture of teaching and learning, whereby students and staff members find meaning in their work and in their relationships with one another.
As an instructional leader of Prendergast School, Mr. McNeill lives his dream of making a difference in the lives of both his students and teachers. Setting the bar very high for his students and staff, Mr. McNeill keeps student learning as the central focus and works diligently with teachers to improve student learning. With the principal of the building he routinely conducts daily walkthroughs and conferences with teachers on best practices and on different activities to incorporate student engagement and higher order thinking skills. When Mr. McNeill enters the classroom, his teachers know that he is looking for guided reading, effective teaching skills and higher order thinking activities and questioning. Mr. McNeill’s goal, as well as every teacher’s goal in the building, is aligned to the building improvement plan which is directly aligned to district goals.
Mr. McNeill has worked diligently to extend a culture of continuous learning to parents and the community at large. From his participation in presentations to the Board of Education and school community on the Prendergast School budget to his one-to-one tutorial conversations with parents on the Common Core, Mr. McNeill is a big advocate for our students and public education. Mr. McNeill hosts programs at Prendergast School which involve the students and welcome parents and public dignitaries. Prendergast School is no stranger to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Senator Joe Crisco, Representative Linda Gentile and Mayor David Cassetti.
As an individual involved with Change Leadership, I recognize that Mr. McNeill understands some of the most challenging concepts facing America’s 21st century educators. I will say no more because through Mr. McNeill’s packet one will understand the impact this individual has on everyone he comes in contact with. He truly Walks the Talk. It is definitely without reservation that I recommend Mr. Sherrod McNeill as The National Outstanding Assistant Principal.
Sincerely,
Carol Merlone, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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