Mateja moves to North Elementary

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Neighbors | Adrienne Crissman .North Elementary School welcomed Stephanie Mateja to her new position as principal.

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Neighbors | Adrienne Crissman .Principal Stephanie Mateja talked to her students before school began on Sept. 11.

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Neighbors | Adrienne Crissman .Principal Stephanie Mateja read a story to her students at North Elementary School on Sept. 11.

By ADRIENNE CRISSMAN

acrisman@vindy.com

Sept. 4 marked Stephanie Mateja’s first day as principal of North Elementary School.

Mateja graduated from Youngstown State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. She went on to teach kindergarten at Dobbins for four years and second grade for one year. In August of 2011, she received her Master of Arts in Education from Westminster College and in 2012, she finished the Educational Leadership Program at Westminster College and received her Ohio K-6 principal license.

As principal, Mateja hopes to incorporate more family evening events to get involved in the children’s education.

“One of my main goals for the year is to form relationships with not only the staff, but also the parents and students at North,” said Mateja.

Mateja wants to be involved in the students’ lives as much as possible.

“Whether it is in the classroom, the cafeteria, or on the playground, I want to participate in the students’ learning and growth,’ said Mateja. “I want to be a support system for the teachers and the parents. I want to be a support system for the teachers and the parents.”

Cheryl Borovitcky, former Dobbins Elementary School principal and mentor to Mateja, said she has many strengths.

“She is an energetic, knowledgeable and hard-working educator who collaborates well with staff and is so very compassionate and caring as she works with children,” said Borovitcky.

Borovitcky is confident that Mateja will bring many positive aspects to North Elementary.

“As a new leader, she will bring enthusiasm, creativity and a positive attitude to her role as principal at North Elementary,” said Borovitcky.