By Connor Hawthorne, Co-Editor in Chief
Over the past four years, River Hill has had three different principals. For many students, the lack of consistency has caused them to feel a sense of detachment. As students come back to school, our new principal Dr. DiFato aims to change this and connect with the student community.
A River Hill veteran, Dr. DiFato worked as a teacher here at River Hill for eight years. During that time he taught “all different levels of history and psychology.” When he was a teacher at River Hill, Dr. DiFato was determined to “get as involved as [he] could.” As a teacher he was the SGA sponsor and coached a multitude of different sports, from lacrosse and field hockey to cross country. He recounts that the most rewarding experience was “seeing the students grow in the classroom but also outside the classroom.”
After working at River Hill High School, Dr. DiFato worked as assistant principal at both Hammond and Reservoir High Schools. When he got the call that he was coming back to River Hill, “it was exciting,” yet not something that he “had mapped out.”
Having been gone for six years, Dr. Difato is aware that “the River Hill I’m coming into is not the one I left.” Since that time, River Hill has experienced redistricting, Covid and a high level of staff turnover. Despite this, Dr. DiFato explains that “the community, staff and students are all still great.” One of his goals this year is to figure out what’s different, and work to help the “staff students and the community.”
As principal, the ethos of Dr. DiFato’s mission is to embody and encourage a “growth mindset” among the students and staff here at River Hill. He explains how “even the smartest students can learn more and the best teachers become better.” He aims to encourage students and staff to find ways they can improve and grow this school year with the focus being on “strong rigorous instruction in the classroom.”
A key role of education is to prepare students for when they graduate. This year, Dr. DiFato is determined to ensure that students “know what their opportunities are post high school.” He explains how “not everyone will attend a four year college” and part of his job as principal is helping students prepare for when they graduate, whatever that path may be.
Dr. DiFato values connection with the student body as well. Having been away from River Hill for 6 years, there are obviously a lot of new faces among both the students and staff. Dr. DiFato describes how he’d “forgotten what it’s like to walk into the building and not know anyone” and was “so used to talking to students.” Dr. DiFato is motivated to get to know the student body and explains how “My doors always open, I’m happy to talk to any student about what’s going on and what they’re doing.”
This year, a concern of Dr. Difato is helping students find balance in their lives. He explains how here at River Hill “we have a lot of really dedicated students” and “helping our students find balance is really important.” Dr. DiFato practices what he preaches and recounts how “I try to start my day with a run and clear my head for the day.”
A seasoned educator, Dr. DiFato is ready to get to know the amazing students here and River Hill and is excited to work as our principal this year. His advice for students this year is simple, ““Develop a growth mindset and work to find balance.” Dr. DiFato looks forward to connecting with the students and helping them grow this year.