Board of Education appoints new administrators

Meet the new elementary school assistant principal: Brian DiPasquale

Oct. 23, 2012

Brian DiPasquale has been the assistant principal at Watervliet Elementary School for about two weeks, and already students have taken to calling him “Mr. D.”

Mr. DiPasquale was previously a fourth-grade teacher in Gloversville schools for 10 years, prior to becoming the elementary school’s assistant principal. He earned his bachelor's degree from the College of St. Rose, his master’s degree from the University of New England, and then returned to the College of Saint Rose for his administrative certification.

As a grade 4 teacher, he taught all the core subjects, and also enjoyed incorporating technology into his instruction.

Why education?

I actually started off studying engineering at RPI, but always liked to work with children. My dad, a recently retired teacher, showed me the positive impact that teachers and schools can have on children. Seeing the great things he did with his students got me seriously thinking about a career in education. I have never looked back since, I love working in the field of education.

What drew you to Watervliet schools?

Gloversville and Watervliet have many similar qualities. Both places have wonderful and diverse students, caring and hard working parents, and pride in their community. Like Gloversville, I know that the Watervliet teachers and staff are working extremely hard to help students improve and grow. I am really excited and ready for the new challenge of administration, and the assistant principal position is a great place for me to start. I’ve heard wonderful things about the Watervliet teachers and staff and I want to be a part of it. I also want to bring my experiences from Gloversville to help energize the initiatives already happening here.

Anything surprise you about the district or the elementary school?

I am very impressed with the feeling of community—not just at the elementary school, but in general, throughout the whole district. I feel very welcomed here. High expectations for students and high expectations for teachers is certainly a focus—you can feel it when you walk in the door. You can tell that the students’ best interests are at heart in every classroom, especially when meeting teachers or seeing what’s going on in classrooms. That’s a great feeling.

What are your goals, long term or immediate?

I want everyone to know that I am excited to be here and have really enjoyed my first few days meeting the students —and I’ve met many so far. I think we share a similar excitement. I’ve been on the playground, in classrooms, in the cafeteria, and greeting kids in the morning as they come in from the bus. I’m getting high fives, handshakes, and ‘Hi Mr. Ds” even after the first day. Everybody calls me Mr. D, which is cool, but I would love for students to actually know how to say my name as well. I really want to learn their names and get to know each and every student.

So, I would say my immediate goal is to get to know the parents, students, teachers, and the staff here.

What activities do you enjoy in your free time?

I have a new 7-month-old daughter, Emma, who keeps my wife, Sarah, and I very busy. I love spending time with Sarah, Emma, and the rest of my extended family. I also like cycling and do quite a bit of road biking and mountain biking when I can. Woodworking is another favorite hobby. And I have a 1966 Mustang that I’m restoring, so I like working on that.

What is your favorite book or favorite type of book?

All the books I have read, at least lately, are about education, so that I keep current for work. I recently read an excellent biography about Abraham Lincoln and I love to read mountaineering books such as “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer.

What is your favorite type of music?

I like jazz, such as Dave Brubeck. I also listen to any classic rock.

how about Meal? What is your favorite?

A good lasagna. My wife, Sarah, also makes great meatballs.