Strong school community a priority for new Waverly Park prinicipal in Lynbrook

For the first time in nearly two decades, a new principal will be greeting students at Waverly Park Elementary School when classes are back in session on Sept. 5.

Allison Banhazl became the new principal at the school on July 1, taking over for Lucille McAssey, who served the children of Lynbrook for 19 years.

“I know that I have big shoes to fill,” Banhazl said. “Waverly Park is a very special place, which is apparent as soon as you enter the building. … My hope is to continue to build upon this strong foundation and to form relationships with each member of the Waverly community, students, staff and parents.”

Banhazl, a Rockville Centre resident, grew up in Merrick and was an assistant principal in the Merrick School District for the past six years. She previously served as a teaching assistant in the Baldwin School District and a teacher in Brooklyn, while working for the New York City Department of Education.

Before starting her career, Banhazl majored in elementary education at Loyola University, in Maryland, received a master’s degree from Hunter College, in Manhattan, and earned an advanced certificate in educational leadership from the College of St. Rose, in Albany.

Banhazl said teaching has been her passion for many years, and that she believes in a collaborative effort toward education. She added that her priority is ensuring that the best interests of students are met and that she applied for the Lynbrook job because the district affords students the opportunity to achieve high success.

“I truly enjoy what I do,” Banhazl said. “My approach is to be as visible as possible, enthusiastic, responsive to the needs of all and certainly approachable. A smile at the door each morning, greeting students and staff throughout the day and inspiring a culture of kindness where everyone feels valued and encouraged to grow each day is my norm.”

Speaking about the arrival of Banhazl and new Lynbrook South Middle School Principal Joseph Wiener, Superintendent Dr. Melissa Burak said district officials are excited to welcome them on board.

“We are looking forward to having both of them on the Lynbrook team as we work together to provide our students with a nurturing, yet enriching, school experience,” she wrote in an email to the Herald.

Banhazl said she planned to hold a meet and greet with parents this month, and that she will visit every classroom when school starts to get to know each student and staff member better. Her visits will include her reading to the students, she noted.

With school just a few weeks away, Banhazl said, she is most looking forward to spending time with the students. “My goal is to be supportive of a learning community that values the mindset that we are all learners and that we value a love of literacy,” she said.