Principal Appreciation Month is celebrated every year during the month of October. This year, the Red and Black, will be featuring the dedicated and passionate principals who help make our school district the best it can be.
For the first installment of this series, we head to the high school to interview Dr. Rusielewicz.
Q.1 How long have you been a principal?
Nineteen years. I was originally an assistant principal for three years, then a principal at South Ocean for three years, and finally sixteen years as the PMHS principal. So overall twenty-two years as an administrator in total.
Q.2 Did you always want to be a principal?
No, I had originally started as an aircraft mechanic before becoming an auto mechanic. Eventually, I went back to school for my true passion, music and became music teacher.
Q.3 Who inspired you in education?
My wife. She is an art teacher and seeing her passion for teaching inspired me to become a teacher as well.
Q.4 What is your favorite memory from being a principal?
Honestly, there’s too many to choose from. Getting promoted to be the high school principal is a favorite as it was my dream to become a principal ever since I went back to school to become a teacher. But also, just watching the way people come together for the students to make their experience here at the high school special such as how we did Prom on Main Street or still held a graduation during Covid-19, are also all favorite memories.
Q.5 What makes being a principal at your school special?
I love how every day there are new challenges. Working with a family to change a student’s life and making such a big school smaller by being dedicated to helping the student one-on-one has always been impactful to me. Plus, I’m really proud of all the programs being brought in that open new possibilities that help students find their passion. Overall, just working with individuals and starting new programs to enhance the students Highschool experience makes my job special.