East Syracuse Minoa Central High School Principal Greg Avellino’s motto is simple — “students first.”
“Guiding and helping our students reach their maximum potential is essential as we have begun our new school year,” Avellino said. “Ensuring staff have the tools and support they need for success in learning for all students is one of my primary goals.”
He also plans to keep students involved in the decision-making process.
“With the opening of school, I plan to continue the student Principal’s Cabinet and to have student representation covering all aspects of school,” he said
Avellino started as the new principal July 1. He comes to the district from Fayetteville-Manlius High School, where he was associate principal for two years. Before that, he was executive principal of Liverpool High School.
He said he spent his first few months at ESM learning about the culture of the school community.
“This is a community that is passionate about education,” he said. “Unfortunately, the economy and big businesses closing affect many community families.”
But the staff is responsive to the needs of the community, he said.
“The community members I have met are appreciative and want to partner with the school,” he said. “What strikes me as unique here at ESM is that it is a silent gem glistening with opportunities for all from basic education [and] school to college and career opportunities, utilizing technology as a tool to guide our students so they are prepared for the 21st century learning community whose graduates are prepared to excel in a complex, interconnected, changing world.”
Avellino said he looks forward to getting to know parents, students and staff. And yes — his door is always open.
“I’m very inclusionary,” he said. “I have an open door policy, and I do not want to make decisions on the fly. I also believe you should never compromise your values or beliefs.”
“Continuing to build a cohesive high school team that is responsive to students, staff, and parental needs is essential to our continued success,” he added. “Our focus is helping students be successful as we build partnerships with parents.”
Avellino received his certificate of advanced study in educational administration from SUNY Oswego. He has a master’s degree in instructional design, development and evaluation from Syracuse University, a bachelor’s in elementary education from SUNY Cortland, and an associate’s in early childhood education from SUNY Cobleskill.
He lives in Fayetteville with his wife, Traci, who is a special education teacher at ESM’s Pine Grove Middle School. They have three kids: Rose, a sophomore at the University at Albany; Louis, a junior at F-M High School; and Joe, a freshman at the high school.
Ned Campbell can be reached at [email protected].
