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Announcing HES Principal Anne Stern's Retirement

Announcing HES Principal Anne Stern's Retirement

I am writing today to share with you that Hawthorne Principal, Annie Stern, has informed me of her intention to retire. She will conclude her time at Hawthorne at the end of this school year. Please join me in thanking Annie for giving our youngest students a solid foundation on which to build as they progress on their educational journey and wishing her the very best in the future.

Annie’s 31-year career in education began as an elementary school teacher and 11 years ago she joined the Mount Pleasant team as an elementary school assistant principal. She was quickly named principal of Hawthorne. Under her leadership, Hawthorne is a learning environment filled with energy, excitement, and discovery. Annie and her team have created a supportive environment at Hawthorne which allows students to learn through thoughtfully designed age-appropriate opportunities for students to be imaginative, artistic, and collaborative. She has worked diligently to elevate our academic programming and provide students with a strong foundational education. 

Hawthornes prides itself on being a “place of great beginnings.” Annie and the entire Hawthorne faculty and staff understand that it takes very special people to thrive at educating our youngest Wildcats. Annie is patient, kind, caring, creative, and loving. While she and I have enjoyed more than our share of silliness together, Annie is very serious about the task at hand. During her time as principal, Hawthorne has reintroduced full time Encore Specialists in the Fine and Performing Arts, established a STEM Specialist, reintroduced phonics instruction, brought back push-in support with reading teachers working in classrooms, and worked with central administration to establish teacher leadership in literacy and math. She has worked tirelessly to involve our parents and oversaw the implementation of the One School One Book initiative along with literacy and math nights where students, teachers, and parents come together to celebrate learning.

As a vital member of the Mount Pleasant administrative team, her expertise has shaped both our strategic plan and our Portrait of a Mount Pleasant Learner. Her unwavering commitment to excellence has left an indelible mark that will benefit Wildcats past, present, and future. Through the programs she championed and her dedication to each student's success, she exemplified true leadership and a genuine love of learning. Her infectious enthusiasm and Wildcat pride touched everyone around her, and I'm deeply grateful for both her leadership and friendship.

Annie will look forward to a tremendous winter and spring of teaching and learning. I will be announcing details regarding the process and timeline for the recruitment of new leadership at Hawthorne later this week.

With best regards,

Dr. Peter Giarrizzo
Superintendent of Schools