Hope
school gets new leader for new year
Monday, August 01, 2005 • By
ANDREA EILENBERGER • The
Express-Times
HOPE TWP. -- With the start of the new
school year, students can expect to see a new face in the
administration of the district's kindergarten through
eighth-grade school.
Danielle Hamblin has 11 years of
experience as an educator and is set to take on the role of
assistant principal and curriculum coordinator. She said she
is eager to take on the new administrative role.
"When you are a classroom teacher, you
only get to handle a few students, but as an administrator
you have the chance to work with the teachers who are in
charge of the students -- and ultimately reach the larger
quantity," Hamblin said.
The position remained unfilled this past
school year after the former assistant principal resigned.
District staff absorbed some of the duties while Alfred
Annunziata, the district superintendent and school
principal, took on the bulk of the position.
"(Annunziata) put in a lot of time and
effort and did a commendable job, but we knew we needed
someone to fill the job," said Leslie Woodworth, vice
president of the board of education.
She said district officials held off
filling the post until some financial issues and other
factors were determined.
"There were too many unknowns to make a
decision. We felt it best at that point to wait in the
interim, even though we knew it would be very difficult,"
she said.
Annunziata said he is pleased with his
successor and feels she has the right background for the
variety of roles she will undertake.
"Her experience matched up perfectly with
what we needed," he said.
Hamblin, of White Township, taught in the
High Bridge School District from 1994 until 2003, and then
went on to the Bethlehem Township School District until
June. She taught kindergarten, first, second and third
grades.
She also served as an enrichment
curriculum coordinator, provided basic skills instruction
for kindergarten through eighth-grade students, mentored new
teachers and participated in a balanced literacy program for
teachers.
School officials said they were impressed
with Hamblin's varied background.
"She will bring much to a district of our
size," Woodworth said. "When you have someone who is
multi-faceted, then you know you're in good
shape."
The two school districts Hamblin comes
from outnumber the Hope Township school in student
population. The smaller school atmosphere is something she
is looking forward to, Hamblin said.
"It's a good opportunity to get to know
each student and better meet their needs."
She plans to enhance the district's
gifted and talented program as well as its enrichment
education curriculum.
"I want to make sure it taps into all
students' talents," Hamblin said. "I don't want it to just
provide enrichment for math and reading, but to expand in
all areas."
Reporter Andrea Eilenberger can be reached at
908-475-8044 or by e-mail at aeilenberger@express-times.com.
© 2005 The Express-Times. Used with
permission.
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