After 27 years in the Rockville Centre school district, Maria LaSorsa is taking on a new challenge as principal of South Side Middle School.
LaSorsa, who began her career as a music educator before becoming vice principal six years ago, will lead the school this fall following the retirement of Shelagh McGinn, who served as principal for 23 years.
But becoming principal was not necessarily part of LaSorsa’s original career plan.
“It just kind of happened that the position came to be,” LaSorsa said. “The staff is super supportive. The community is very supportive, and it just kind of felt like the natural next step in my career and my journey.”
After more than a decade in the classroom, LaSorsa said she understands the importance of a dedicated staff. As principal, she plans to draw on that experience while supporting academic excellence and serving as a resource for students.
Her first year will include changes to the school’s exploratory elective program, with courses being restructured to better align with New York state’s Portrait of a Graduate framework. The initiative emphasizes skills such as critical thinking and communication beyond traditional test scores.
While the framework is geared toward high school students, LaSorsa sees middle school as an important starting point.
“The middle school is really the stepping stone to really get those kids to figure out their likes, their dislikes, what pathways they want to go on,” she said.
Since taking office July 1, LaSorsa has been preparing to overhaul exploratory courses that introduce students to subjects and potential career paths, including digital literacy and STEAM-based music and technology programs.
LaSorsa also wants to strengthen relationships among the school, staff and families.
“Our top priority is always to actively listen, engage them in forming good, solid relationships,” she said. “We are partners with the families because that's what helps students to succeed, and we want our students to also have opportunities to build partnerships with our community organizations. That way, they can grow inside and outside the classroom.
“When you care about students and they feel that, then they really just thrive in that,” she continued. “But it's also the same for staff. When staff feel supported and valued, then it's a better partnership for administrators and staff because you can work together, support each other, but then, in turn, that of course supports the students.”
Other changes planned include allowing students to use backpacks instead of string bags and revamping the intervention office, the “Cyclone Center.” LaSorsa plans to maintain traditions such as back-to-school nights and monthly PTA meetings.
LaSorsa said her goal is to build on South Side’s success while remaining open to change.
“We continue to commit to everything that South Side has established,” she said. “But I'm also looking to change some things and see where the future could really bring us. I think people really need to find the good in the changes, in the teachers and the staff and the building. When we support each other, that’s how growth can be established but also maintained for the entire building and the students.”
