Primary Principals Host Open Houses

Hemlock School Principal Audrey Bellovin reading to students at the Hemlock open house.

The Garden City School District is pleased to announce the appointment of two new primary school principals: Audrey Bellovin at Hemlock School and Jean Ricotta at Locust School. Both principals hosted open houses at their respective schools in August.

Ms. Bellovin comes to Garden City from Ogden Elementary School in the Hewlett-Woodmere School District, where she was assistant principal. She has taught at several other institutions, including Center Street Elementary School and Denton Avenue Elementary School in the Herricks School District, P.S. 123 in Queens, and Bank Street College of Education in Manhattan. At Herricks, she was elementary math staff developer, working with students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Among her professional credentials are a Master of Science in Mathematics Leadership from Bank Street College, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Queens College, and completion of the Bank Street College Principal's Program.

Ms. Ricotta was assistant principal, interim principal, and lead teacher at Paumanok Elementary School in the Half Hollow Hills School District. She has taught at Signal Hill Elementary School, also in the Half Hollow Hills District and P.S. 97 in Queens, among others. She holds a Master of Science in Student Personnel Administration from SUNY at Buffalo, Master of Science in Education from Canisius College in Buffalo, Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Psychology from SUNY Oswego, and Professional Diploma in Administration and Supervision from St. John's University.

Locust School Principal Jean Ricotta with fourth-grade volunteers, who helped with face painting, jewelry making, and other activities at the Locust open house.

"Both appointees have impressed us with their deep commitment to students; strong background in curriculum, instruction and staff development; sincere appreciation of the talents and accomplishments evident here in Garden City; and commitment to building positive associations between home and school," Superintendent Robert Feirsen said.