Donald P. Sutherland Elementary School Principal Jack Alvey received the Principal of the Year award from the Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA) at its annual Awards and Friends of Education Dinner on Thursday evening at The Century House in Latham.
CASDA, a state-wide organization affiliated with UAlbany, is dedicated to the promotion of best practices in public education including leadership, teaching and learning, and school development.
Mr. Alvey was joined at the awards ceremony by two dozen colleagues from DPS and the East Greenbush Central School District.
“I am humbled and honored to receive this award,” Mr. Alvey said. “While I appreciate the recognition, it’s a complete team effort. It starts with the bus driver who greets the child in the morning to our main office staff who interact with our families and students, to our teachers, teaching assistants, custodians and support staff. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by incredible people who put students first and make them feel loved and safe.”
Mr. Alvey has served as principal of DPS for the past 19 years. Over that time, thousands of children have come and gone at the little school on the hill, moving on to Howard L. Goff Middle School, Columbia High School, and then out into the world.
As principal, Mr. Alvey leads the Character Education committee and its regular school-wide assemblies, he facilitates instructional support team meetings and ensures school-wide professional development is provided and supported. He also facilitates data team meetings so teachers can review assessments and make adjustments to services and interventions to benefit each and every student.
Mr. Alvey is highly visible in the school, walking the hallways and visiting classrooms throughout the day.
“We care about kids,” he said. “We get to know them and help them get through their time here.”
Mr. Alvey was nominated for Principal of the Year by Superintendent Jeff Simons with input from DPS staff.
“Mr. Alvey’s leadership at DPS for the last 19 years has fostered a learning community of students, faculty and community members that make DPS a special school,” Mr. Simons said. “There is a strong sense of belonging and commitment at the school that Mr. Alvey has built through forging strong bonds with students, families and staff. The school serves as a hub for connecting children and families in Nassau.
“Beyond his role as Principal of DPS, Jack’s leadership continues to contribute to district-wide improvements in East Greenbush as he serves on many district committees in a leadership role. He is well deserving of this recognition,” Mr. Simons said.
The Principal of the Year nomination included input from Head Custodian Frank Cramer, former Secretary Roxanne DeJohn, School Social Worker Tiffany Rinehimer and Kindergarten Teacher Heather DiOrio.
“I don’t do the things that I do for the recognition,” Mr. Alvey said. “But to know that the people I call my ‘work family,’ who wrote on my behalf to receive this award, it’s special. It means a lot to me.”
Congratulations, Mr. Alvey!