Interim principal appointed at North Shore Middle School

As much as I’ve been a part of the district for over 20 years, I’m really excited to integrate myself into the middle school community, a community I haven’t had the pleasure of being a part of just yet.”

Jennifer Imperiale, NSMS interim principal

The North Shore Board of Education has appointed Jennifer Imperiale as interim principal of North Shore Middle School. She will begin her new job on Aug. 20.

Imperiale has more than 20 years of experience in the North Shore schools, having been a math teacher, dean of students and, for the past 13 years, assistant principal at North Shore High School.

“I think the middle school is such a special place,” Imperiale said. “As much as I’ve been a part of the district for over 20 years, I’m really excited to integrate myself into the middle school community, a community I haven’t had the pleasure of being a part of just yet.”

Imperiale grew up in Glendale, Queens. She earned undergraduate and graduate degree from Hofstra University before completing her educational leadership certificate at Stony Brook University. The Educational Leadership Program at Stony Brook prepares educators for advancement in positions at both the school building and district levels.
During her time at North Shore High, Imperiale has forged relationships with students, teachers and parents, holding various roles, including class adviser, while also helping with extracurricular activities.

“Relationships are very important to being successful in this role,” she said. “Students I taught when I first started now have kids themselves entering the district. It’s all very special to me. I’m excited for the opportunity to begin forging relationships with members of the middle school community and strengthening those already established.”

Imperiale said she strives to build community among students and staff, as well as work as part of an administrative team whose purpose is to incorporate the North Shore District’s new shared values.

During the last school year, Imperiale, like most school administrators, was tasked with navigating hybrid learning for her students. “We really came together as a community and made the best of it,” Imperiale said. “The students, parents and teachers really stepped up and made this happen. Everyone impressed me so much.”

In her new role, Imperiale said she hopes to use her tenacity, expertise and enthusiasm to provide support to the school’s community. “I see my role as a support role. While I’m supporting teachers, it’s also very important to provide support to families to make sure each child’s needs are being met in every aspect of the learning process,” Imperiale said. “As a mom to young kids myself, I see firsthand how important the relationship between a child’s school and family is, and I hope to strengthen those relationships in this new role.”

North Shore Schools will begin the search for an interim assistant principal at the high school to fill the vacant position immediately. North Shore High School Principal Eric Contreras will head this search and rely on the involvement and feedback of various constituent groups. He said he hopes to have someone in place before students arrive in September.

A search for a permanent middle school principal will begin this fall, and at that time, there will be an opportunity for parents, teachers and students to take part in the process and contribute their thoughts on how the position should be filled.

“Being a member of the North Shore Community since 1997, I have really come to love the district and the community as a whole,” Imperiale said. “This is such an exciting opportunity to take the next step into a new role and take on new challenges. I look forward to serving the students, teachers and families of the middle school.”