Read the Leary Principal Message
from K. Dina Stathopoulos

Dear Leary Families, 

It is an honor to be the interim principal at Leary Elementary School for the 2020-2021 school year. As many of you know, Jenn Tomalty, the longtime Leary principal, has moved to Vollmer Elementary School. Ms. Tomalty has served this school community well for many years. She and I have spent as much time as possible in recent weeks preparing for this transition to make the new year a success.

When the district shared this opportunity with me several months ago, I was excited at the prospect. Having lived in our school district for three decades, I am deeply passionate about our students and consider it an extraordinary privilege to help each child reach their full potential. Each of my three children graduated from Rush-Henrietta. Being a Royal Comet has special meaning to me.

Playing an important role in education is meaningful to me, as well. My early childhood was a special time, as my family immigrated to the United States from Greece when I was 5 years old. The public school system became a lifeline to me in a new land. A strong desire grew within me to support students and families by providing the same grace and compassion that was shared with me. 

Fortunately, I have been able to do just that. For seven years, I served as assistant principal at Rush-Henrietta Senior High School. Previously, I was an English teacher in the Penfield Central School District. I am confident my literacy background and administrative experience will translate well to the K-3 setting. At the same time, there is much to learn from the talented staff at Leary. 

I know that change can be somewhat unsettling, especially during this unusual time we are facing. With that in mind, I want to share what I recently told the faculty and staff: I am not here to make wholesale changes. I am here to support students, families, and staff to the best of my ability. I look forward to learning more about the traditions here, and can’t wait to meet everyone who makes this such a wonderful school community. 

I’m an avid fan of Rush-Henrietta for many reasons. Among those is that all students are valued and diversity and uniqueness is looked upon positively. I have long held to the principle that believing in students more than they believe in themselves is a meaningful way to contribute to the lifelong social-emotional health and success of children.

I look forward to doing that and more -  in partnership with you - at Leary Elementary School. Let’s make it a priority to keep in touch as we navigate this new school year together. We can do this!  

Sincerely,