When Doherty Middle School Principal Robin Wilson joined the district in July, Patrick Bucco and Steve Murray, principals of Andover's other two middle schools, took her out to lunch.
Murray, of West Middle School, and Bucco, of Wood Hill Middle School, are known for their senses of humor and had Wilson in stitches for most of the lunch, she said.
The camaraderie - and good-natured ribbing - between the three middle school leaders lends itself to a collaborative relationship, said Wilson. As she readies for students to return to Doherty, Wilson said she knows she can call either Bucco or Murray about anything, and the trio will meet regularly throughout the year.
"I believe so strongly in a community school, and building relationships so others can be the best we can be. If we're not collaborative, we're not doing our best," said Wilson, who came to Andover from Pentucket Middle School. "I'm excited about learning (Doherty's) culture. My first year is going to be listening, learning and asking questions."
In her first month in Andover, Wilson said she's been overwhelmed by parents, school staff and community members who have gone out of their way to make her feel welcome.
Students first day back to Andover Public Schools is Wednesday, Sept. 1. The district's 10 principals and new Superintendent Marinel McGrath went on an out-of-town team building retreat Aug. 10 and 11.
As students return to Doherty, they'll be greeted by not only a new principal but a new assistant principal. Spanish teacher and department head Andrew Long was promoted to the school's No. 2 position last week.
Long and Wilson are finding their personalities and collaborative philosophy match as Long adjusts to his new role in the same building.
"We're both even-keeled. We're realistic and take time to think things through," said Long. "I've always felt all of our kids are all of our kids, in the entire school district."
"I feel like we're a complete package. His energy level is at mine," said Wilson, smiling. "We both look at big-picture details - how do we make a great idea happen, and how do we bring everybody in."
On the first day of school, both Long and Wilson said they will pop into as many classrooms as possible.
"It's all about building relationships. Through relationships we all thrive," said Wilson. "It's exciting, and will be a different energy for staff and students."
"In our profession, we're so lucky to get to start over every year," added Long.
Long has taught at Doherty for four years and recently completed a certificate of advanced graduate study in educational leadership and administration. While he studied at Salem State, Long spent 300 hours shadowing DMS administrators in everything from bus duty to proctoring MCAS tests.
Long replaces Maryellen Iannibelli, who left the district July 16 to become principal of Georgetown Middle School. Wilson replaces Theresa McGuinness Darby, who left in June to pursue a doctorate full-time at Boston University.
MEET DOHERTY MIDDLE SCHOOL'S NEW ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Principal Robin Wilson: worked at Pentucket Regional Middle School, starting as assistant principal in 1999 and became principal in 2007. Has experience as an elementary, middle school and special education classroom teacher as well as leadership roles at a charter school and center for at-risk youth.
Assistant Principal Andrew Long: hired in Andover in 2006, taught Spanish, served on curriculum council and was foreign language department head. Has been teaching for 20 years, previously in Chicago and Newton, Mass.
