Saturday, March 15, 2025
The Island Park School District is proud to announce the appointment of Shannon Malagreca as the new principal of Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School. With a wealth of experience in school administration and elementary education, Malagreca brings a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to fostering academic growth and student well-being.
A Wealth of Experience in Education
Malagreca holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Dowling College, a master’s degree in school building leadership from the College of New Rochelle, and a master’s degree in children’s literature from Queens College. Her academic background, coupled with her professional experience, ensures that she is well-equipped to guide Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School to new heights.
Malagreca’s educational journey has taken her from classroom teacher to literacy consultant to school administrator. Most recently, she served as the assistant principal of PS 457 in the Bronx, where she also stepped into the role of acting principal. During her tenure, she was instrumental in increasing student attendance by restoring positive student-faculty relationships. She also played a key role in supervising and evaluating teaching staff, helping educators become more reflective in their practices.
Her background also includes working as a literary consultant for Generation Ready, an educational consulting firm, where she supported school principals in effective leadership practices and helped identify school strengths and areas for growth. Prior to that, she served as an elementary teacher in both Long Island and New York City classrooms.
Committed to Academic Growth and Well-Being
In addition to her roles in teaching and administration, Malagreca has been a professional development instructor for SCOPE Educational Services since 2010. She has taught a range of courses, including Balanced Literacy in the K-6 Classroom, Morning Meeting, and The Power of Children’s Literature. Her extensive background in both classroom instruction and educator training positions her uniquely to lead Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School into a new era of growth and success.
“Education has always been my passion, and my journey—from teacher to literacy consultant to school administrator and now principal—has been shaped by a deep commitment to student success,” Malagreca shared. “My experience in the Bronx taught me the power of resilience, innovation, and strong relationships, and I bring that same dedication to Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School. My top priorities are fostering a culture of collaboration, strengthening student-faculty connections, and expanding initiatives that support academic growth and social-emotional well-being. I am thrilled to join the Island Park community and look forward to working alongside our incredible teachers, families, and students to create a nurturing and dynamic learning environment.”
A Strong Connection to the Community
Malagreca has already begun integrating herself into the Island Park community. She met with families and students prior to her official start date, engaging in conversations during a meet and greet event at the January 13 board of education meeting. This early outreach highlights her commitment to building strong relationships with parents and community members.
“Above all, I hope to leave a lasting impact by empowering every student to thrive and ensuring that our school is a place where they feel valued, inspired, and ready to achieve their dreams,” Malagreca said. “I also plan to prioritize professional development for staff to ensure our teachers are prepared to support students in the modern world.”
Malagreca officially began her role on Feb. 3, and the Island Park School District looks forward to the positive impact she will make in the years to come.
