The Harborfields Central School District has appointed nine new administrators for the 2021-22 school year. These educators, some Harborfields veterans and others who are new to the district, are dedicated to ensuring each and every student is given the opportunity to succeed.
Dr. Danielle DeLorenzo, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
With two decades experience as an educator in New York City and Sachem, Dr. DeLorenzo brings a plethora of experience to her new role. She served as an elementary principal in Sachem for 12 years and prior to that, was a fourth and fifth grade teacher and literacy coach. Dr. DeLorenzo led the Writer’s Workshop initiative in Sachem, developing, writing and implementing curriculum for grades 3-5.
Dr. DeLorenzo is looking forward to collaborating with the wider Harborfields staff to ensure success for each and every student.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with the Harborfields staff to continue implementing a strong academic curriculum while reinforcing the K-12 curriculum alignment to ensure that we are teaching the whole child,” she said.
Denise Campbell, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Administration
Newly appointed Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Administration Denise Campbell has over 25 years of experience. She began her career as a speech-language pathologist and spent 13 years in a neighboring district overseeing special education, student services and human resources.
Denise looks forward to being a part of the team at Harborfields and upholding the duty of the district.
“I am excited to be part of a new leadership team to work collaboratively to support the mission of the Harborfields School District,” she said. “We will serve our students to reach their unique potential and become active citizens in both their local community and beyond.”
Maribeth Corr, Principal of Oldfield Middle School
Maribeth Corr has been appointed as Principal at Oldfield Middle School. Maribeth joined the Harborfields School District in 2016 as a high school counselor after spending 15 years at Holy Trinity High School. Upon arriving in Harborfields, she quickly made the transition into the role of District Coordinator for Guidance. Most recently, Maribeth served as the K-12 Guidance Administrator and Assistant Principal at Oldfield Middle School.
In her new role, Maribeth plans to continue to work with faculty and staff to incorporate culturally responsive teaching strategies to promote equity and inclusivity. She is also excited about hosting the school’s first annual STEAM Fair, where students will be applying and practicing their science, technology, engineering and math skills to creative projects.
“I am excited and eager to bring my skills as an educational leader to Oldfield Middle School and continue to create a school environment that is challenging, empowering, equitable, and engaging in which all students can thrive,” she said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with students, parents and staff to take OMS to the next level of excellence.”
Danielle Amato, K-12 Guidance Administrator and Oldfield Middle School Assistant Principal
Danielle Amato has been appointed as the K-12 Administrator for Guidance and Assistant Principal at Oldfield Middle School. She comes to Harborfields after spending 22 years in the Sewanhaka Central High School District as the guidance chairperson at H. Frank Carey High School. In addition to joining the new administration at the middle school, Danielle’s main goal is to implement districtwide social-emotional learning initiatives such as P.S. I Love You Day and the Kindness Challenge.
Jennifer Washington, Director of Technology and Security Systems
As a Harborfields educator for 15 years, Jennifer Washington is acutely qualified to serve as the new Director of Technology and Security Systems. Jennifer has been a staple throughout the entire district, starting as a teaching assistant at Oldfield Middle School and transitioning to an integrated teacher at Thomas J. Lahey Elementary School. There, she spent 11 years working as a special education teacher. Additionally, Jennifer also served as the supervisor for the Extended School Year Program and technology coordinator for the district.
In 2017 and 2019, Jennifer was chosen as a presenter at the Long Island Technology Education Summit, a yearly event for sharing new ideas, innovations and trends. Furthermore, Jennifer’s work on Book Clubs for the 21st Century won the Model Schools Award in 2018. She used the $1,000 award for this achievement to purchase a 3D printer for her fifth grade classroom.
In her new position, Jennifer will be working with teachers on implementing the newly adopted Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards in the classroom. Jennifer also aims to provide and coordinate ongoing professional development for teachers in the district.
“This year I would like to focus on the intentional use of technology,” she said. “I hope to answer the question, ‘How can we empower students to use technology to improve their lives?’”
Melissa Basel, Special Education Chairperson
Melissa Basel has been appointed as the Special Education Chairperson. She comes to Harborfields after spending 17 years in the Elmont School District, where she served as a speech-language pathologist, Extended School Year coordinator and a Virtual Academy coordinator. She also has experience working in early intervention and preschool special education.
“I am looking forward to meeting the students and families of Harborfields in the new school year and being a part of a great pupil personnel services team,” Melissa said.
Rob Franco, Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics
Rob Franco has been a physical education teacher in the Harborfields School District for six years prior to being appointed to the Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics for the 2021-2022 school year. Rob is a favorite among the student population and was even chosen as the Class of 2021’s featured speaker at their June 2021 commencement ceremony. He was also an integral part of ensuring a safe return to school and athletics for students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the past 18 years, Rob has coached soccer, bowling and lacrosse. The teams he has been involved with have experienced success, winning league and county titles. Additionally, he served as the advisor for Athletes Helping Athletes, the Junior Class Advisor and the high school equipment manager.
Rob recently finished his School Building Leader and School District Lead certification through the College of St. Rose and he is thrilled to take on his new role.
“I am excited to get started in my new role and look forward to continuing to grow our health and physical education curriculums as well as improve the athletic experience for all of our student athletes,” he said.
Rose Scammell, Director of Pupil Personnel Services
As the newly appointed Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Rose Scammell brings years of experience in the developmental space. Prior to coming to Harborfields in 2018, she was the Clinical Administrator for Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities Inc. in Bayshore. Upon joining the district, Rose served as the Special Education Chairperson, where she developed relationships with building leaders, teachers and community members. She hopes to continue nurturing these connections in her newly appointed position.
“I am very excited for this school year,” she said. “I have a wonderful team of professionals that I will be working with to serve the Harborfields community.”
Bethany Pokorny, Assistant Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Joining Rose in the PPS office is Bethany Pokorny, the newly appointed Assistant Director of Pupil Personnel Services. Bethany joined the Harborfields district in October 2020 as the Special Education Chairperson after working for 17 years in special education at Copiague Public Schools. Prior to that, she taught at the high school level at The Lake Grove School and Manhattan East Middle School.
Even though she hasn’t been a part of the Harborfields family for long, Bethany is excited to continue to serve the community in the years to come.
“In the short time I have been here, I have quickly learned that Harborfields is truly a remarkable place,” she said. “As we enter the upcoming school year, I am looking forward to working alongside our staff and families to provide programming and services to benefit our students.”
The Harborfields School District is thrilled to welcome these experienced and highly skilled administrators for the 2021-2022 school year.