The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District Board of Education has announced the appointment of Joan Wartell as Parkway Elementary's new assistant principal. Ms. Wartell has been with the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District since 1985. She began there as an elementary teacher after serving for three years in New York City Public Schools as a first-and second-grade teacher and reading specialist.

Since 1990, she has been a reading specialist at Parkway Elementary. Her responsibilities in this role included developing diagnostic evaluation tools to help teachers assess the progress of their students, and continuously evaluating the reading progress of individual classes and the total school program. In 1996, Ms. Wartell also took on the position of teacher-coordinator at Parkway, directly assisting Principal Ronelle Hershkowitz with class placement of all students, along with other administrative duties. "Ms. Wartel has already taken on many of the tasks required of an assistant principal. I have every expectation that she will do a wonderful job," Mrs. Hershkowitz noted. She added that Ms. Warrell is known to parents, students and staff as enthusiastic and motivated.

In addition, in the capacity of teacher-coordinator, she assisted with all phases of standardized testing, served as a mentor to new teachers and worked with seasoned teachers on a variety of strategies. Mrs. Hershkowitz says she knew they would make an excellent team. "We have worked so well side by side. Ms. Wartell has experience in assisting with scheduling, and has been a very nurturing mentor to our new teachers," she added.

"Joan Wartell has consistently demonstrated professionalism in the roles she has held, as well as a genuine interest in helping students succeed," said Dr. Anthony Cavanna, superintendent.

Ms. Wartell received her bachelor of science in education as well as her master of science with specialization in reading from Hofstra University. She holds a professional diploma as a school administrator/supervisor.