Belmonte assistant principal makes the move from Lynn

SAUGUS – “I?m a Yankees fan, originally from Syracuse, N.Y.”That?s how new Belmonte Middle School assistant principal William “Bill” Donadoni introduced himself during an eighth-grade presentation last week.His students booed him, after which Donadoni told them that?s not the proper way, or setting, to show displeasure.Assigned to half of the seventh and all of the eighth grades, his first day was Feb. 23. Donadoni replaced Frank Woods, who resigned in January to accept an assistant superintendent position in another school district.Prior to going to Belmonte, Donadoni was a lead special education teacher, cluster leader and acting vice principal at Lynn?s Thurgood Marshall Middle School, where he had worked since 1999.?I think very highly of the students at Marshall and now look forward to making a positive impact on the Belmonte and Saugus community,” Donadoni said. “I am very happy in the new position and excited about the new chapter, with new challenges, in my career. I am honored to be a part of a great team at Belmonte – making a difference for students and staff in this new position.”His priorities with the seventh- and eighth-graders are to support their academic and behavioral development, teach them to make responsible choices, and develop strategies to become successful. Donadoni said he enjoys working closely with the teachers, staff and community to keep communication open.Marshall, he said, prepared him well for the advanced position.?I feel blessed to have had the time at Marshall and grateful that I could bring those experiences to a leadership position in Saugus,” he said. “While my thoughts are with all of my former students from Marshall, I am finding myself more grateful every day for the opportunity to be an assistant principal at Belmonte and share my enthusiasm with these kids.”Donadoni double-majored in education and history at Providence College and earned a master?s in moderate special needs from Salem State. He also completed Gordon College?s educational leadership program for an administrator?s license to use in this role.Vice Principal Myra Monto, who covers sixth grade and the other half of seventh grade, said he?s doing a wonderful job so far. Together, they manage nearly 700 students.?He?s brings a different perspective to the school,” Monto said. “He?s enthusiastic and (has) made nice connections with students and staff already.”Monto said despite coming in during the middle of the academic year when routines are already established, Donadoni made a smooth transition.?We?re very happy he?s on board,” she said. “He?s made a connection with everyone in the short amount of time he?s been here.”Principal Kerry Robbins said Donadoni is a true educator.?He?s only been here three weeks, but we?re very excited to have him on the administration team,” Robbins said.Drama teacher Alli Mahon said telling students that he was a Yankees fan off the bat established a relationship and connection to the students – different from his status as a professional.?He?s putting an effort out, and we appreciate that,” Mahon said. “It?s not like he?s hiding in his office.”Mahon assists Donadoni with behavioral issues and was the media guru for his introductory PowerPoint presentation. During the presentation, Donadoni urged students to respect themselves, others and the school as well as to act with integrity – doing the right thing when no one is watching.