RI Elementary School Principal of the Year

Each year RIASP selects a Rhode Island Elementary School Principal of the Year. This principal is acknowledged by his/her peers for the exemplary contributions he/she has made to the profession.  The program honors school principals who place student learning at the center, set high expectations for student development, oversee standards based teaching and learning, utilize data in making decisions, and engage the community in the shared responsibility for student achievement.

The RIASP Elementary Principal of the Year recognition program is run in conjunction with the National Distinguished Principal Program (NDP) which is sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) in corporate sponsorship with VALIC.

Anyone may nominate an eligible principal – a superintendent, a principal, a teacher, a parent, a student.

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS 
Elementary Principal of the Year

2009 - Nancy Nettik - West Kingston Elementary School

2010 - Christopher Kennedy - Nayatt Elementary School

2011 - Debra Zepp - Matunuck Elementary School

2012 - Susan Chin - Veazie Street School

2013 - Nidia Karbonik - Ashton Elementary School

2014 - Edward Ferrario - Stony Lane Elementary School

2015 - Louise Seitsinger - Tiogue Elementary School 

2016 - Denise Missry - Asa Messer Elementary School 

2017- Donna Coderre - Leo Savoie Elementary School 

2018 - Jennifer Poore - Charlestown Elementary School 

2019 - Patricia Cousineau - Warwick Neck Elementary School 

2020 - Courtney Monterecy - Mary Fogarty Elementary School

2021 - Suzette Wordell - Pocasset Elementary School

2022 - James Callahan - Sowams Elementary School

2023 Elementary Principal of the Year 

Dr. Sabrina Antonelli

Norwood Elementary School Warwick


The students and staff at Norwood Elementary benefit every day from the efforts of their tireless principal, Dr. Sabrina Antonelli. Whether it is writing grants to improve their technology, the school library, math professional development for teachers, after school programs, or student leadership opportunities, she is in constant search for ways to make Norwood a better place to learn.

Superintendent Lynn Dambruch lauded her contributions to Norwood in saying, “Dr. Antonelli has consistently demonstrated her commitment to creating a positive learning environment for students, teachers, and staff. Her ability to inspire and motivate those around her has resulted in significant improvements in academic performance and a strong sense of community within the school. She has been a strong change agent and instructional leader.”

Dr. Antonelli arrived at Norwood during a tumultuous time of school consolidation in Warwick. Her previous school was closed and she was new to the teachers and the school community. Her commitment to improved climate and culture quickly won people over.  She embodies and promotes the schoolwide expectations - Be Ready, Respectful and Responsible every day.

After completing her studies at the Community College of Rhode Island she earned her degree in elementary education at Rhode Island College. Later she earned her Master’s degree at Brown University in ESL and Cross Cultural Studies. Recently she proudly earned the title “Dr. Antonelli” by completing her Ed.D. at Johnson and Wales University. Prior to her coming to Warwick she served in the Providence Schools as a math teacher, department head, and instructional coach.




UPDATED: November 2023

© 2015 Rhode Island Association of School Principals

Rhode Island Association of School Principals is a 501(c) 6 Non-Profit Organization

MAILING ADDRESS:  PO BOX 7791, WARWICK, RI 02887 

OFFICE ADDRESS:  2480 POST ROAD, WARWICK, RI 02886 

401-272-9811 ext. 2 

Robert E. Littlefield, Executive Director 

Cheryl Iiams, Adm. Asst. 

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