INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Two local school officials have been announced as the county’s 2018 Outstanding Principal of the Year and the 2018 Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year, school officials said.
Kathrine Pierandozzi, principal of Wabasso School, and Jennifer Norris, assistant principal at Rosewood Magnet Elementary School, will both be honored at the District’s “Stars of the Year” Gala in January which will feature the Teachers, Employees, Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year.
Pierandozzi has worked as the principal of Wabasso School, 8895 U.S. 1, for three years, school officials said. She also has worked in education for more than 25 years.
She implemented the R.E.A.L. Lab, Phoenix Cafe and the Phoenix Print Shop, all of which provide hands-on learning environments for her students to practice real-world skills while developing funds for their student-operated programs.
These skills include mastering daily living, independent functioning and operational skills.
“When Ms. Pierandozzi arrived a little over two years ago, she began transforming the school. These are students with significant disabilities, but they are not treated as such,” Superintendent Mark Rendell said. “She sets high performance expectations for these students and with the support of an incredible staff, the students meet these expectations. Through partnerships with the Education Foundation of Indian River County and the John’s Island Foundation, she has greatly enriched the opportunities available to these students.”
The video below was provided by the School District of Indian River County.
Norris began her teaching career in 2001. She taught 1st and 3rd grade in two different elementary schools outside Indian River County, school officials said.
In 2004, Norris moved back to Vero Beach and began teaching 1st graders at Rosewood Magnet School, 3850 16th Street, Vero Beach. In 2012, Norris began her career as an Assistant Principal at the elementary school.
“Mrs. Norris is an exemplary Assistant Principal at Rosewood Magnet,” Rendell said. “She is an instructional leader who is well liked and respected by the teachers in her school and by colleagues throughout the district.”
The video below was provided by the School District of Indian River County.
