Page 26 - JOHN DIPAULA POY APPLICATION 2021

January 6, 2020
I am writing to nominate Dr. John DiPaula for Principal of the Year. Dr. DiPaula is very deserving of this honor.
Dr. DiPaula has spent the past three years as the principal of Hammond High School. To begin his tenure, he had the unenviable task of coming in following a most beloved principal. He was under scrutiny by all involved in the school. So, does a school succeed after losing a wonderful principal? You get a Dr. DiPaula.
As a parent involved in the school through Boosters, PTSA and as an advocate for the school, I have had many opportunities to interact with Dr. DiPaula. He has always been professional, and helpful. There are many qualities that make a good leader which Dr. Diapula routinely displays. His commitment to both students and staff, his optimism, his ability to communicate effectively including listening to the concerns of others and his caring about the welfare of all involved with the school are but a few ways that he has demonstrated he has what it takes to be an excellent principal.
It is important to me that a Principal be available to parents and understand our concerns. Dr. DiPaula does this through his regular attendance and active participation at both PTSA and Boosters. Whenever I have had a specific concern that I have not been able to resolve with the teachers directly, he has always been available to assist in resolving the issue. I sincerely appreciate that Dr. DiPaula see our students as individuals with different strengths and needs. He demonstrates the school motto “Where People are Important”. Our students are never made to feel as though they are only as good as their test scores. They are recognized for their own accomplishments and uniqueness.
As an advocate for the school’s renovations, I have had the opportunity to interact with many of the staff and teachers, beyond those that teach my own children. Over and over again I have heard staff praise the leadership of Dr. DiPaula. Teaching is a difficult profession but made a bit easier with an amazing Principal. One of the things that Hammond is known for is our culture of the relationship between staff and students which Dr. DiPaula foster and it continues to strengthen.
I encourage you to consider Dr. John DiPaula for Principal of the Year. Honestly, no one is more deserving of the honor.
Sincerely, Carleen Pena