PATRICIA PUGLISI
New LHS Principal
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Lynnfield High School Principal Patricia Puglisi is looking forward to the 2023-2024 academic year getting underway on Wednesday, Aug. 30.
Puglisi began her tenure as LHS principal in early July. She succeeded retired Principal Bob Cleary, who led Lynnfield High for 15 years and served as LHS’ assistant principal from 2002 through 2008.
“Lynnfield High School has been tremendously welcoming,” said Puglisi. “Everyone I have met has been very kind. It is evident that the students, faculty and parents have tremendous pride in the school. I am beginning to feel like a part of this wonderful community.”
Before becoming Lynnfield High’s principal, Puglisi previously served as Manchester-Essex Regional High School’s principal from July 2013 through June 2023.
She worked as Reading Memorial High School’s assistant principal for curriculum and instruction from July 2009 through June 2013. Puglisi was the Social Studies Department chair at Masconomet Regional High School from September 2006 through July 2009. She taught history at Masco from September 2000 through June 2006.
Puglisi said her main goal for the 2023-2024 academic year is learning “everything about the school community.”
“I’d like to explore the implementation of the Lynnfield Public Schools Vision of the Graduate at the high school level,” said Puglisi. “I’d also like to think deeply about providing support for students with social-emotional challenges.”
Puglisi began implementing her entry plan over the summer.
“I have been meeting with various stakeholders from the community and within the school,” said Puglisi. “The entry plan provides a framework and structure that will guide my transition to principal of Lynnfield High School. This will enable me to gather information about the community and the school, and to establish a strong community presence. It will also allow me to assess the school’s strengths and areas for growth, and to identify critical issues. The entry plan will allow me to create a network of contacts and resources that will assist me as principal of the high school.”
Puglisi also said the information she gathers during the entry plan process will “ensure a smooth and orderly transition.”
“It will also allow me to enact a structure for me to listen broadly and learn comprehensively about Lynnfield High School, and ensure that multiple perspectives and voices are heard,” added Puglisi. “The entry plan will allow me to establish a clear working relationship with members of the Lynnfield community as well as supporting the teaching and learning process. It will ensure that the alignment of resources will meet the educational, social and emotional needs of all students efficiently and effectively.”
After beginning her tenure in July, Puglisi and Superintendent Kristen Vogel launched a search to find the high school’s next assistant principal. Former Haverhill High School Assistant Michael McLeod was hired to succeed former LHS Assistant Principal Brian Bates (see separate story).
“I am looking forward to beginning the year with Assistant Principal Mike McLeod,” said Puglisi. “We’ve been working to become a strong team that is ready to support all Lynnfield High School students.”
Puglisi also said she has spent the summer familiarizing herself with the high school.
“I am focused on learning as much about Lynnfield High School as possible,” said Puglisi. “I have been talking to as many people as possible, reading everything available and learning as much as I can about being a Pioneer.”
Puglisi said she has enjoyed meeting students, families, educators and staff members over the summer.
“It has been great,” said Puglisi. “I have met a number of people and I am looking forward to meeting all of the students in a week.”
Puglisi said her top priority for the 2023-2024 academic year is becoming “familiar with all things Lynnfield.”
“Along the way, we may find areas that we can strengthen and we can start thinking about how a truly great high school can become even better,” added Puglisi.
Puglisi thanked the Lynnfield community for giving her a “warm welcome” this summer.