The 2021-2022 school year is slowly coming to an end, and therefore, we are preparing for a new one. With the 2022-2023 school year being closer than we think, District 158 is preparing to welcome the new principal of Mackeben Elementary School. 

Marcie Marzullo, the current principal of Ronald D O’Neal Elementary School, will be starting her new job next school year at Mackeben Elementary as the principal.

As with any new start of a job, it is filled with an anxious feeling, with not knowing any of the staff or students, but the current principal and assistant principal of Mackeben are filled with excitement for the new start for Marzullo in District 158. 

“She is walking into a building with amazing staff and some of the most supportive families too. She should just be herself and enjoy getting to know everyone,” current principal Paula Moan said. 

The building is filled with positive energy, students that are thrilled to be at school to learn, and teachers delighted to be in class with their kids. 

“Work hard on building relationships with the staff, students, and families. Mackeben is a building that has a strong sense of community and I know they want to continue that through her. I feel that positive relationships are a foundation for positive output, academic or otherwise,” assistant principal Catherine Cantwell said. 

Being a principal is not about being someone in charge of a school, it is about having a passion for kids and wanting to connect with them.

“Truly my heart is in the elementary setting, I love teaching kids how to read and see how they become as readers… it’s not about me at all, it’s about showcasing the growth and successes of your students and staff, and even the community,” said next year’s principal, Marcie Marzullo. 

To work with children, you need to show passion and effort so they know you actually care about all of them. To be a principal, you need to be involved and show that you want to be with them rather than sitting in an office all day.

“Even as a principal I have helped model lessons, or support in the classroom as well. I try to get out and be in classrooms as much as possible, I don’t like being in my office… the more I can be in classrooms, the more I enjoy my day,” said Marzullo. 

All staff members must show support towards their students to help them grow as they all get older. If the students have the support they need, they will have the motivation to continue their education.

“I just loved being able to support more students and share with teachers, and develop them because the more teachers are able to support the students, the more students will be successful,” said Marzullo. 

Everyone in District 158 is excited to welcome Marzullo into the coming school year in order to see what she has to offer.