Reminder Publishing photos by Mike Lydick
When West Side students return for the 2024-25 school year at four elementary schools they will find some new faces in principals’ offices.
Karen Albano, a former principal and teacher in Agawam as well as a principal and director of curriculum in Northampton, is the new principal at Memorial Elementary School. Albano, an Agawam resident, said she’s looking forward to not only building “strong and caring” relationships with students and teachers, but also “digging into all the things that make Memorial so beloved and unique.”
Albano said she’s felt “incredibly supported” in her transition and greatly appreciates the team approach at Memorial and in the district. “I applied at Memorial because it felt close to home in all ways. I immediately sensed it’s a place with an incredible staff and a caring and involved community,” she said.
Albano began her career in 2007 as an 8th grade social studies teacher at the Agawam Junior High School. She became one of Agawam’s first elementary school lead teachers in 2018. In January 2020, she was appointed principal at Phelps Elementary School.
In August 2021, she was named director of curriculum for Northampton Public Schools. From 2022 to 2024, Albano was the principal at Northampton’s RK Finn Ryan Road Elementary School. She “truly loved” being a principal at the school, but her commute was so long that it didn’t allow for much time with her own family.
Albano is “excited and grateful” to bring her skills and experience to Memorial School. She plans to spend the first year listening and learning. “I’m prepared to be responsive to the current needs of our community. I want to thoughtfully and collaboratively plan for meaningful changes in the future,” she said.
Diane Doe served as principal of Mittineague Elementary School from 2010 until her retirement in 2022. Now, she’s back as interim principal for the 2024-25 school year as the search for a permanent principal continues.
Doe has spent her entire education career in West Springfield. A teacher at Fausey Elementary School from 1988 to 2004, her first administrative position was as vice principal at Coburn Elementary School from 2004 to 2010.
“I truly loved being a part of each unique learning community. I’ve loved every minute of my career, in every capacity,” said the lifelong West Springfield resident. “I spent the last 12 years of my career at Mittineague School, so it’s deeply important to me to do the best that I can for the staff, children and families in this unique situation.”
With Mittineague coming off “a tough year,” she said her goal as principal is to promote positivity, as well as support and inspire the community. Although Doe will be principal for only a year, she doesn’t look at it that way. “I have a talented and passionate staff to support. They, and our children, deserve no less. Teaching is hard work, but when the work is your passion, it can be the driving force for positive change.”
While the future of Mittineague is still an unknown, Doe said every year there are changes, both expected and unexpected. “Our job is to embrace them. New possibilities are exciting and offer hope. New relationships and building trust take time. With many recent staff moves, I will focus on rebuilding to instill trust and respect at the onset. I’m excited to work with new faces and provide new opportunities.”
Serenity Greenwood, a former principal and assistant principal in several other districts, is the new principal at the John Ashley School — West Springfield’s all early childhood school.
The Hampden resident said she’s “thrilled” to be in a position that supports others who will make a difference in the lives of students. “Being part of the West Springfield team is an incredible opportunity — I’m very excited,” said Greenwood, who was “ecstatic” to be offered the position.
Greenwood began her career in Hampden in 2001 as a kindergarten teacher at Green Meadows School. In 2009, she transferred within the school to become a science specialist. She was appointed principal at the Thorton Burgess Middle School in 2017, serving for about six months until the school closed in 2018.
She then became an administrator in Wilbraham, first as assistant principal at the Wilbraham Middle School from 2018 to 2021 and from 2021 to 2022 as principal at the Soule Road School. Her previous position was teaching in Springfield at Washington Elementary School from August 2022 until June 2024.
She said her goal at John Ashley is to support the needs of students to create “optimal learning” experiences. “We will respond in the most supportive way we can,” said Greenwood. “Children in this age group are beginning their educational journey and the responsibility to provide experiences that support and challenge them to grow as a learner and as a friend, while they develop a positive sense of self, is what motivates me.” she said.
Suzanne Tetrault is the new principal at Fausey Elementary School. She was previously principal at the John Ashley School from 2022 to June 2024.
“In addition to early childhood experience, I have extensive experience working with elementary students. I’m excited about the opportunity to apply all of the skills I’ve developed over the years in a larger elementary school setting,” said the Wilbraham resident.
Tetrault also built positive relationships with students and families who attended John Ashley during the past two years. Those students are now first and second graders at Fausey. “I’m thrilled to remain involved in these students’ lives and continue with them in their academic journey through elementary school.”
Her career began in 2008 as a school phycologist in Leicester. In 2012, she became the district’s director of student support services. Tetrault became the director of student services in Monson in 2016, then served as principal at Quarry Hill School from 2019 to 2022.
She said her biggest challenge at Fausey will be learning the school climate and culture. “I plan to create a staff survey to develop a better understanding of events and traditions they feel are essential to the school. It will be important to make sure new ideas are blended with previous traditions.”
Tetrault said she’s looking forward to developing new relationships with the students, teachers and families. “I’m very visible as a leader and being present throughout the building. Arrival, dismissal, hallways, cafeteria and classrooms will be a priority,” she said.
