New HES principal aims to hit the ground running

Posted

After 23 years in a classroom or an administrative office, Colleen O’Hara was appointed as principal of Hewlett Elementary School at the May 16 Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education meeting, succeeding current principal Christopher Uccellini, O’Hara had been the assistant principal of Hewlett Elementary since 2013. She had also occupied the same position at Woodmere Middle School from 2007 to 2013 and at Islip Middle School from 2004 to 2005.

“Mrs. O’Hara has been a respected, and exceptional member of the Hewlett-Woodmere administrative team since 2007,” Superintendent Dr. Ralph Marino Jr. said in a media release. “She is a proven leader, who is passionate about the educational success of all children who attend our schools. After a lengthy and inclusive recruitment effort, Mrs. O’Hara emerged as the right choice to lead Hewlett Elementary School into the future.”

She was an English teacher at Hicksville Middle School and Woodmere Middle School from 1995 to 2004 and from 2005 to 2007 respectively. She will assume her new role on July 1.

Pursuing a doctorate in instructional leadership at St. John’s University, O’Hara received an advanced graduate certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook University; a Master of Science degree in elementary education from Long Island University – CW Post; and a Bachelor of Arts in English/secondary education from upstate Siena College.

“I am truly honored to become the next principal of Hewlett Elementary School,” O’Hara said in the same release. “Having served as the assistant principal for the last five years, I have been privileged to work with the dedicated and caring staff, supportive parents, and wonderful children who make Hewlett Elementary such a special place. I can’t wait to hit the ground running as we work together to help our children pursue their passions and learn about themselves and the world around them.”