SCHUYLER COUNTY--Alisha Tolentino has been selected as the new principal of the Odessa-Montour Central School District Hanlon Elementary School, effective April 29.
Tolentino earned a bachelor’s degree from Niagara University, a master’s degree in education from Nazareth College and a Certificate in School Building and School District Leadership from SUNY Brockport. She has worked as a teacher in the Geneseo and Dansville Central School Districts and as a summer school principal and assistant principal/dean of students at the Addison Central School District. She is currently an assistant principal in the Elmira Heights Central School District.
“I appreciate the intimate setting of a smaller school district, allowing for deeper connections with each student, family and staff,” said Tolentino. “In addition, the district’s positive culture aligns with my values and I am particularly drawn to its commitment to prioritizing social-emotional learning. My goal is to cultivate strong bonds with students, families and staff members to foster a supportive and inclusive school community. I will also prioritize creating a nurturing and supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.”
“In our work to identify the experiences, skills and characteristics of our new Hanlon Elementary principal, we heard from our students, families and faculty that we wanted an individual who put students first, understands that each student has an individual story and has individual needs, and someone who will work collaboratively with families, faculty and staff to support everyone,” said Interim Superintendent Tracy Marchionda. “Mrs. Tolentino’s experience as a teacher and assistant principal, along with her demonstrated character, made her the perfect fit for Hanlon. The interview team felt that Mrs. Tolentino will continue to lead Hanlon in all of the established traditions and at the same time, lead us to even greater accomplishments. We are thrilled to have a principal of Mrs. Tolentino’s caliber joining our Grizzly Family.”
Erika Parisian has been selected as the new principal of the B.C. Cate Elementary School, effective June 1.
Parisian earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Potsdam and master’s degrees from SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Oswego. She holds the following certifications: Literacy Specialist, Childhood Education, Early Childhood Education, School District Leader and School Building Leader. She has worked in the Romulus Central School District since 2014; the positions she has held include UPK teacher, kindergarten teacher, mentor, summer school elementary principal, administrative intern, MTSS director and DASA coordinator.
“Throughout my educational career I have found my passion which lies with elementary students,” said Parisian. “I truly love working with students and watching their young minds grow. I love being involved with staff and coming up with new, innovative ideas and for our students to have opportunities and experiences that allow them to learn and explore. The Odessa-Montour School District has a small town feeling, and I know the true value of that, as I have worked in a small, rural district for the past 10 years. I understand that the school is the hub of the community and that we are able to reach each student every day. These are the reasons why the district is appealing to me and why I am devoted to showing all that I have to offer to the students, families, staff and community of Odessa-Montour.”
“The search for our new B.C. Cate Principal was extremely competitive as we received many applications from very qualified candidates,” said Marchionda. “Mrs. Parisian rose to the top because of her experience and knowledge of early childhood education, combined with her passion for ensuring that each child is supported and engaged in their learning. Throughout the application and interview process, Mrs. Parisian demonstrated that she leads with compassion, honesty and approachability. She is dedicated to OMCS and assured our student interview team that she is committed to making learning fun. As a district, we are thrilled to have her join our leadership team.”
Tolentino earned a bachelor’s degree from Niagara University, a master’s degree in education from Nazareth College and a Certificate in School Building and School District Leadership from SUNY Brockport. She has worked as a teacher in the Geneseo and Dansville Central School Districts and as a summer school principal and assistant principal/dean of students at the Addison Central School District. She is currently an assistant principal in the Elmira Heights Central School District.
“I appreciate the intimate setting of a smaller school district, allowing for deeper connections with each student, family and staff,” said Tolentino. “In addition, the district’s positive culture aligns with my values and I am particularly drawn to its commitment to prioritizing social-emotional learning. My goal is to cultivate strong bonds with students, families and staff members to foster a supportive and inclusive school community. I will also prioritize creating a nurturing and supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.”
“In our work to identify the experiences, skills and characteristics of our new Hanlon Elementary principal, we heard from our students, families and faculty that we wanted an individual who put students first, understands that each student has an individual story and has individual needs, and someone who will work collaboratively with families, faculty and staff to support everyone,” said Interim Superintendent Tracy Marchionda. “Mrs. Tolentino’s experience as a teacher and assistant principal, along with her demonstrated character, made her the perfect fit for Hanlon. The interview team felt that Mrs. Tolentino will continue to lead Hanlon in all of the established traditions and at the same time, lead us to even greater accomplishments. We are thrilled to have a principal of Mrs. Tolentino’s caliber joining our Grizzly Family.”
Erika Parisian has been selected as the new principal of the B.C. Cate Elementary School, effective June 1.
Parisian earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Potsdam and master’s degrees from SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Oswego. She holds the following certifications: Literacy Specialist, Childhood Education, Early Childhood Education, School District Leader and School Building Leader. She has worked in the Romulus Central School District since 2014; the positions she has held include UPK teacher, kindergarten teacher, mentor, summer school elementary principal, administrative intern, MTSS director and DASA coordinator.
“Throughout my educational career I have found my passion which lies with elementary students,” said Parisian. “I truly love working with students and watching their young minds grow. I love being involved with staff and coming up with new, innovative ideas and for our students to have opportunities and experiences that allow them to learn and explore. The Odessa-Montour School District has a small town feeling, and I know the true value of that, as I have worked in a small, rural district for the past 10 years. I understand that the school is the hub of the community and that we are able to reach each student every day. These are the reasons why the district is appealing to me and why I am devoted to showing all that I have to offer to the students, families, staff and community of Odessa-Montour.”
“The search for our new B.C. Cate Principal was extremely competitive as we received many applications from very qualified candidates,” said Marchionda. “Mrs. Parisian rose to the top because of her experience and knowledge of early childhood education, combined with her passion for ensuring that each child is supported and engaged in their learning. Throughout the application and interview process, Mrs. Parisian demonstrated that she leads with compassion, honesty and approachability. She is dedicated to OMCS and assured our student interview team that she is committed to making learning fun. As a district, we are thrilled to have her join our leadership team.”
