Sandra Kaliszewski, the charismatic new principal of Mauro Sheridan sounds extremely energetic, even at 6 a.m. in her calls to Mauro Sheridan families announcing reminders like “there’s an Early Dismissal Day”.
Her goals for the school include emphasizing the magnet theme of science,technology and communications , increasing communication through showcase assemblies so students can talk about their work, and making sure every student knows why they are here—to learn.
“I always wanted to become a leader and really help teachers,” Ms. K. said at a recent press conference with the staff of the MASH News. “I want to help students rise to become independent thinkers and to go from here to high school and on to college.”
Ms. K. talked about the future of technology for the school. Starting next year, every fifth grader will receive his or her own Chromebook, a laptop that is connected to the Internet. It may also contain textbooks.
Mauro Sheridan will be the only school in the district where students have their own Chromebooks.
“Ms. K and her positive energy and enthusiasm are welcome here at MASH. Ms. K has great ideas on how to enhance and expand the theme of science, technology, and communication, and we are excited about this.” said Mrs. Courcey, assistant principal here at Mauro-Sheridan. “Mrs. K is very supportive, with a strong leadership and is a true educational leader.” said Ms. Moffit, first grade teachers. “She’s positive no matter what.” says Madame Elena, french teacher.
Ms. K. began her career as a third grade teacher at Prince Street School, which is now John C. Daniels. Then she moved on to becoming a 5th and 6th grade math and science teacher and helped out with math curriculum and the science fairs. Her next position was the math instructional coach.
Ms. K. became the assistant principal at Clinton Avenue School. When longtime principal Denise Coles-Cross retired, Ms. K. jumped at the chance to lead her own school and follow her passion for science and math.
“The best part of my job is when I see students learning and not becoming distracted. I love seeing students learning and investigating and becoming critical thinkers,” she said.
When asked about the hardest part of being a principal, Ms. K said it’s difficult when students get distracted or make poor choices. She involves parents in the process of dealing with students when they are having problems.
Ms. K. was born in Waterbury, Connecticut. As a child, her favorite subjects were math and science. She earned her bachelor's degree in education at Southern Connecticut State University followed by a masters at Southern and a sixth-year degree at Sacred Heart University.
“She is the most energetic person in the school,”said Mr.Slusky.
When asked about her personal life, Ms. K. said, “I have two children who take up a lot of my time. I also have a pug named Romeo.” She does scrapbooking in her free time.
During the first week of school, the kindergarteners stuck 500 sticky notes onto her car to welcome her with messages of encouragement.
“I’m very lucky to be here, I love the students, teachers and staff. I hope to retire from here,” Ms. K. said.