A new, but familiar role for new McVey principal

Have you filled your bucket today?

Kerry Dunne wrote that on the announcement board in the main lobby of McVey Elementary School. The words, taken from Carol McCloud’s children’s book, are now an integral part of the school’s mission as Dunne begins her first year as McVey’s principal.

Dunne explained that from the first day, students have been preached the importance of filling their “buckets” with kindness, compassion and helpfulness.

“Little by little, we are starting to see a change,” Dunne said. “Teachers have noticed that some kids are reaching out to others who may not have a friend, inviting them to a game or sitting next to them at lunch time.”

Dunne is known more commonly by the community as Kerry Gant, her name before her recent marriage. She was the district’s director of physical education, health and athletics for six years, and also served on the Nassau County Section VIII Athletic Council.

For the past two years, Dunne was also the assistant principal at Parkway Elementary School.

Though she was a leader in athletics with her district and county roles and also as a longtime high school coach, Dunne said her goal was always to become an elementary school principal. Dunne spent 10 years as a teacher on the elementary school level.

“I’m excited – this is always where I meant to be,” Dunne said. “I’m going back to my roots.”

Dunne replaces Dr. Rita Meyerowitz, who retired this summer. Meyerowitz was McVey’s principal for nine years. Dunne had an opportunity to work with Meyerowitz for a few weeks over the summer to help with the transition. 

She is also working alongside assistant principal Harriet Alfano, who has several years of experience at McVey both as a teacher and an administrator. “It has been a smooth transition,” Dunne said.

Other goals for the new principal and the staff include an emphasis on differentiated instruction, preparation for the new state assessments, and connecting neuroscience to the classroom. With quality programs and philosophies already in place, Dunne noted that she hopes to make them even better.

“My overriding goal would be to take something great and make just a little bit better and enhance in any way possible,” she said.

One month is already in the books for Dunne. The month of October includes a visit from the “World of Jump” assembly and the school’s traditional Community Wellness Walk.

“Time flies when you’re having fun,” she added. “The faculty is phenomenal and the office staff is over the top.”