News
Pinewood school welcomes new leadership
September 2007
Pinewood
Intermediate School has two new administrators this year.
Michele Hunter was named
principal this summer, and Deborah
Kavanaugh was named assistant principal.
Michele Hunter is a familiar face to the district. After college,
she was a permanent substitute at South Colonie Schools for one
year, and then became a fifth-grade teacher at our very own Pinewood
Intermediate School, where she stayed for four years. Hunter left
Pinewood to become an Instructional Supervisor at Malta Avenue
Intermediate School in the Ballston Spa School District, where she
was for the three years prior to accepting the Pinewood
Principalship.
“I’m thrilled to return to the Pinewood community. I am committed to
ensure that all students experience success,” said Hunter.
Hunter holds a master’s degree in educational administration from
the University at Albany, a second master’s degree in literacy from
the College of Saint Rose, and a bachelor’s of science degree in
elementary education from the State University at Oswego.
Hunter is eager to capitalize on the momentum, energy and stability
that Dr. Johnson brought to the school last year. She feels her
former instructional leadership role at the intermediate level will
be a huge asset, and she is looking forward to continue working with
the teachers and staff to increase student achievement.
“I believe in cultivating partnerships between parents, teachers,
and students. These partnerships facilitate consistent communication
and a team-oriented approach that enhance student achievement and
growth,” added Hunter.
Deborah
Kavanaugh comes from Mayfield Jr.-Sr. High School, where she was the
assistant principal for three years. Before that she worked as a
school social worker and team leader for the Board of Cooperative
Education for over four years.
“I am both excited and honored to be a part of the Pinewood
community and to be joining such a strong and committed district,
administrative team and faculty,” said Kavanaugh. “Since starting my
position, I have been tremendously impressed with the district’s
extraordinary and progressive commitment, dedication and vision to
the success of all children.”
Kavanaugh received her bachelor’s degree from Russell Sage College,
and graduated from the University at Albany with a masters in social
work. She earned her School District Administrator certification
from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in 2004.
“I am dedicated to creating and maintaining strong relationships
with faculty, students, parents and the community to ensure that all
students have a positive and successful school experience,” adds
Kavanaugh. “I believe that my administrative background and my
strong experience with young children and families will assist me in
helping the Pinewood team to create a safe, nurturing, and
academically invigorating program where students feel welcomed and
appreciated for their individual talents and strengths. My hope and
goal is that the energy and driven commitment that Ms. Hunter and I
bring to our positions will be infectious throughout the Pinewood
community.”
