Zernone named principal at Hillcrest

Michelle Zernone was appointed principal for Hillcrest Elementary, the District’s school for fourth and fifth grade students.

Zernone comes to Hillcrest following six years as one of four house principals at Middletown High School in Middletown, New York. Prior to taking that position, she was the English Language Arts instructional supervisor at Pomona Middle School in the East Ramapo School District.  She began her teaching career in English in New York City and, among other positions, was director of a middle school in East Harlem.

Zernone grew up in Rockland County and was inspired to become an English teacher by her high school teachers  “a group of the best English teachers you can imagine; I wanted to be just like them,” she said.

She received her undergraduate degree from St. Thomas Aquinas College, and graduate degrees from SUNY New Paltz and Hunter College. A brief stint in publishing reinforced her lifelong love of reading, and she has written and co-authored a number of books for literacy teachers. She later served as an adjunct professor in Hunter’s Graduate School of Education. Zernone and her family live in Orange County, where they have been restoring a Victorian-era home.

The Hillcrest Elementary principal position appealed to Zernone because “I see it as a good fit; I feel that an elementary school is where I can make a difference in terms of literacy. I have always loved teaching in very diverse schools, I love the river towns along the Hudson, and I liked everyone I met in Peekskill.”

Her goals for Hillcrest include getting to know the faculty, students, and families. “I want to see the children enjoying school while they get the best possible foundation for their futures.” And with her English teaching background, “I believe in literature-rich classrooms, filled with lots of books and things to read, so I’ll try hard to make that happen.”

According to Joseph Mosey, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, “Peekskill is fortunate to have Michelle Zernone join our talented group of administrators. Her extensive qualifications and experience are an excellent addition to the District, and I look forward to working with her.”