By Jennifer Marino
"I have a million wonderful memories," said Peluso. It's no wonder, then, that her decision to leave the Rockville Centre School District to become the assistant to the superintendent in charge of curriculum and instruction in Merrick was particularly difficult. "It's a great opportunity," she said of her new job, "[and] a new challenge."
Peluso's last day will be Jan. 10.
Before becoming principal of Wilson, Peluso, a Rockville Centre resident, worked as the director of community education for five years. That job is now shared by two of her teachers at Wilson, Alison Puliatte and Vito D'Elia.
The search for a replacement has to be a quick one. It is still "under discussion," according to school board Vice President Lorrie Brady. Superintendent Dr. William Johnson is not yet ready to make a recommendation to the board of education for approval.
Two of Brady's children attended Wilson while Peluso was principal. "I think the world of her," Brady said. "She will be missed."
Peluso says she'll most miss "the children and the staff." Kindergarten orientation will remain a treasured memory. Standing outside recently while classes were dismissed, Peluso saw a newborn in a carriage and the usual thought crossed her mind: a future Wilson student. "I'll see you in five years," is what she always says to babies, but this time she couldn't.
It's good to leave while you still love your job, she said, adding that she's going from "one wonderful district to another."
