Tsonos appointed principal at Ferri

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Matthew Stephen Tsonos has been named principal at Nicholas A. Ferri Middle School.

The Johnston School Committee on Monday approved his appointment on a 4-1 vote. He succeeds Dennis Morrell, who was recently named the new principal at Johnston High School. Zachary Farrell, the former Johnston High principal, left the district to become assistant principal at Cranston High School West.

“This faculty is a strong and dedicated group of people and I am humbled and honored to be given this opportunity,” said Tsonos, who served as assistant principal at Ferri during the 2015-16 academic year. “During then past year, the kindness and professionalism that you have shown to me has helped make my transition to Ferri a seamless one.”

Before coming to Johnston, Tsonos worked in the East Providence schools in a number of capacities, including middle school summer school principal, dean of students at East Providence High, Ready to Learn coordinator, health department chair, and a health/physical education teacher.

“Matthew is an enthusiastic school leader who understands the needs of middle school students and the operation of the middle school model,” said Johnston Superintendent Dr. Bernard DiLullo. “He came to Johnston last year as the only assistant principal at Ferri. He learned the requirements of the job quickly and went above and beyond to fulfill the expectations of the principal and the district.”

DiLullo called Tsonos a “bright, energetic school leader who possesses great judgment.”

Robert DiMuccio will serve as one of Ferri’s assistant principals, and the school committee approved the addition of a second assistant’s post. DiLullo said that position has yet to be filled.

“The school leadership team, from pre-school to grade 12, that Johnston has going into the new together school year is impressive and I look forward to our work as we continue to advance our district goals,” DiLullo said.

Tsonos is a graduate of Providence College, where he earned a master of education degree majoring in administration of education. He is also a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where he earned a bachelor of science degree majoring in physical education with a minor in health.

In a message to faculty and staff, Tsonos said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and let you know that I am dedicated to continue the work of our faculty, staff, and Principal Morrell. I support and respect you and I will continue to do my best to ensure you have what you need to continue your efforts.”

Tsonos lives in the Greenville section of Smithfield with his wife Jennifer; daughters Brooke, 8 and Paige, 3; and son Cooper, 6.

Tsonos on Tuesday thanked the Ferri office staff, including administrative secretary Terrye Giugliano, clerk Beverly Bernier, and clerk Fatima Shakan. He also spoke of his “gratitude and respect” for Morrell, calling him an “extraordinary mentor, an incredible educator, and a loyal friend.”

“I wish him the best of luck in his new endeavor and I am certain he will be phenomenal,” Tsonos said. “My goal moving forward is to follow his lead.”

Tsonas also thanked the school committee for the appointment, as well as DiLullo and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Arthur-Paul Petrosinelli.

“I hope I am able to live up to your expectations,” Tsonos offered. “I will do my best to make that happen.” 1

LEADING THE WAY:

Matthew Tsonos has been appointed principal at Nicholas A. Ferri Middle School. (Sun Rise photo by Pete Fontaine)

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