By:Elizabeth Sagarin
Considers herself a complement to new principal's style
With Enid D'Arrigo stepping down as principal of Oceanside Middle School and Assistant Principal Robert Fenter stepping up to take her place in September, Dr. Jill DeRosa will be stepping in as assistant principal.
Currently, DeRosa serves as instructional supervisor at South Side Middle School in Rockville Centre, a post she has held for about seven months. Prior to that, she was in the education field since 1993 as a teacher and, later, administrator. Her choice to move from teacher to administrator was akin to that of her soon-to-be superior, Fenter. I wanted to impact a greater number of students.
As assistant principal, DeRosa plans to use her exuberance as a complement to the calm and cautious demeanor of Fenter. I'm a very energetic person,she said. He appears to have a very methodical type of personality, and I think we'll complement each other.The energy almost seems to burst from her mouth every time she begins to talk.
Her petite frame belies a commanding presence, similar to that of D'Arrigo. Also, because DeRosa is one month away from 30 and looks one month away from 20, she doesn't necessarily convey an image of an experienced administrator, but her resume tells a story of a person eager to affect the lives of many middle-school children.
She began her career teaching social studies and Spanish to sixth-graders in Brooklyn for three years, then moved to Eastchester, where for four years she taught English and social studies, and also was an advisor to the Student Council and administrative intern.
In contrast to her rapid ascent, this Valley Stream native now plans to take it slow at first, in order to get an understanding of the school. I look forward to getting to know the people of Oceanside and invite them to get to know me,DeRosa said.
