By Anne Marie Allocca
So it's no surprise to anyone that when Buck principal Al Arnone announced his retirement last February that Onorato applied for the position.
After a lengthy interview process, Onorato learned in early June that he had indeed landed the role of building leader effective July 1. For his first day on the job as principal, Onorato was ready to jump in with his sleeves rolled up, eager to face this next step in his career. With principalship comes a few perks -- an assigned parking space, an office with a private restroom and, of course, his own secretary.
"My first day I couldn't even get in to my parking spot or my office. They are repaving the parking lot and my office was being painted. So much for the perks," Onorato said with a grin. But he wouldn't have it any other way. Onorato has the support of the Board of Education, faculty and staff as well as the students and community and for that he is incredibly grateful.
During the long interview process Onorato often received comments and good wishes while just walking down the hallways at Buck. "I am humbled and overwhelmed with their support at the same time," he said. "I was really blown away. If I didn't get the job it was almost like a reward in itself knowing that the community was really behind me. The people that came up to me were so sweet and caring. It was really heartfelt and they really wanted me to excel and get on with this next step in my life."
Onorato noted how special District 24 is to him. "I've been a part of this district as a teacher and now I get the opportunity to be a part of the district as an administrator," he said.
A few questioned why as a teacher he would want to leave the classroom after only eight years, but Onorato has a simple response. "I'm looking at it as now I am overseeing a whole building and they are all my classrooms," he said. "I am going to be able to leave impressions on all the children and all the teachers. I am a principal who is going to roll up their sleeves and have an open door policy."
It was during his own fourth grade experience with teacher Paul Fredericks that Onorato first thought of following the educational path. After working with the Police Athletic League and at Scoops ice cream parlor, he wanted to work with children. Graduating from St. John's University in 2000, Onorato spent one year teaching sixth grade in South Jamaica at Count Basie School. "The kids were great and wanted to excel if you pointed them in the right direction," he said.
He also had help from his mentor, Fredericks. "I was very impressionable and had a thirst for knowledge. I wanted to do my best. Mr. Fredericks was very good to me and I want to thank him for that," Onorato says gratefully.
Ironically, a family wedding helped him with the move to Valley Stream. His second cousin, Daniel Onorato, was principal at Robert W. Carbonaro School before becoming Assistant Superintendent. Onorato's dad, Michael, sang his son's praises to cousin Dan. Soon after, Onorato received the call to meet with Arnone for a job at Buck. He began as a leave replacement for Celine Grogan in September 2001, teaching sixth grade, then third and finally fourth.
"When I got here I wanted to take that work ethic that I had and I wanted to show everyone I could work really hard and give these kids the best education I could and District 24 could," Onorato said. "I always have my sleeves rolled up and I have that energy. I guess it's an innate ability. I want to know everyone and get in there."
Onorato earned his Master's degree in literacy at St. John's and also pursued a professional diploma as School Business Leader at the College of St. Rose in Oceanside. He got his feet wet as assistant principal for District 24's summer program and headed the technology presentation at this past April's Lights on for Education, promoting the use of SmartBoards in the schools.
When District 24 Superintendent Dr. Edward Fale called him with the news of his principalship, Onorato said he was speechless. "It was an amazing feeling," Onorato said. "Dr. Fale said a few words and then Mr. Iadevaio (then District 24 Board of Education president) got on the phone and gave me some supportive words.
"I said, 'You are going to get someone who is going to give 100 percent each day, day in and day out.' I will be supportive to the teachers. I am there to lead them and give them as much support as they need to help them give the best education possible to the students. That is my vision. I want it to be a safe, learning environment, fun, but I want students to excel," Onorato vowed. "Day in and day out I am going to make this district proud. I am going to make the staff proud to follow my leadership and proud to be here."
During the last few weeks of school, the news spread like wildfire. Onorato recalls walking the hallways being greeted by kindergartners and first graders and receiving congratulations, saying they couldn't wait for him to be their principal. "Those are things that make you sit back and enjoy the moment," he said. "I understand that this is a big responsibility. I intend to reflect on a lot of things and I am up for the challenge. I intend to succeed. I am overwhelmed and humbled by the support. It is an amazing time in my life.
"One of the two things I think you need to be a great principal are the support of your staff and the support of your community and I think I have that," Onorato said. "That's important, that will certainly make things and anything I want to do more comfortable. Valley Stream District 24 and William L. Buck is home now. And it will be a special home for a while."
