I recently had the chance to sit down with the new North St. Elementary School Principal, Ms. Purnima DeMorais, and ask her a few questions so Tewksbury could become acquainted with her.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
DeMorais: I’ve been in education for 27 years, 13 as a teacher and 14+ as an administrator, between all grade levels K-12. I’ve worked at the elementary level in Framingham, Somerville and now Tewksbury and at the high school level in Newton, Maynard and Norwood Public Schools.
Q: What is your educational background?
DeMorais: I have a Bachelor’s Degree from Boston University, a Master’s Degree from Harvard University and have almost completed my Doctorate Degree at UMass.
Q: What made you interested in the North St. Elementary School?
DeMorais: My family is moving to the area, and I wanted to be somewhere that I could give 200%, which is easier without a commute. I’m excited about the reorganization of the district as well as the collaboration, close knit and positive climate at NS Elementary.
Q: What advice do you give new teachers?
DeMorais: Be willing to grow, be flexible, ask questions and be resilient.
Q: What are you most excited about in your new school?
DeMorais: Getting to know the parents, students and staff. I’ve been welcomed with open arms, and I want to support them in any way.
Q:What are examples of successful programs you’ve implemented?
DeMorais: PBIS, Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support. This is a framework for collecting data and acknowledging positive behavior from students. The goal is to increase motivation and engagement, which is especially important right now because of the effects Covid has had on students.
Q: How do you feel the PAC can be most effective?
DeMorais: By being creative around involving families in the school. There are many ways to accomplish this, with technology, in person, weekend and night events. Working with families to get involvement is critical in supporting our students!
Q: Anything else you’d like to share that I didn’t ask?
DeMorais: I want to reiterate how excited I am to join the hardworking team of staff at North St. I hope to create strong consistency and a positive growth mindset.
Thank you Principal DeMorais for taking the time to answer questions for The Tewksbury Carnation. We’d like to welcome you to Tewksbury and wish you luck!
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