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The Hastings Board of Education also appointed Farid Johnson as the new assistant principal for Hillside Elementary.
Mitlak is filling the position that Michael Mahoney left to return to the classroom as a teacher. Johnson is taking over for Jim Boylan, who resigned to become a principal in the Rye City school district. “The board welcomes Dr. Rochelle Mitlak and Mr. Farid Johnson to the Hastings school district,” said Superintendent Roy Montesano. “We are excited about the energy, wealth of knowledge and educational expectations they have for our students.” Mitlak’s career in education covers the full spectrum of learning from pre-kindergarten through college-level graduate. Her most recent position was with the Chappaqua Central School District. In addition to teaching, she has led several research initiatives and authored numerous articles on educational practices. One of Mitlak’s writings, "Making Meaning with Art: Children’s Stories," has been highly referenced. At Hastings, Mitlak expects to examine how the district can address students learning the educational requirements dictated by the state standards, while maintaining a rich learning environment that nurtures their whole being. She will also focus on the infusion of technology as an integral part of learning; and learning as it takes place over the entire period of child’s education in the schools, K-12.
“When I walked the halls and spoke to several of the students, I became aware of a marked difference between these children and those in other districts I have taught," said Mitlak.
"The students here have an understated desire to learn. There is a qualitative difference in terms of inquisitiveness Hastings students have to gain knowledge. In other places, most students just learn the materials they need to learn for a test, not prod for a deeper understanding of the material.”
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