Mattapoisett elementary schools start year new principals, staff

MATTAPOISETT — New leaders have joined Old Hammondtown Elementary School and Center School this year, with one administrator a familiar face in the district and one newly joined from Seekonk Public Schools.

Charles West is Center School’s new principal, taking over Linda Ashley’s former post after she retired. He previously served as the assistant principal at Rochester Memorial School. 

Amanda Chamberlin is the new principal at Old Hammondtown after Stephanie Wells left the position.

Each one gave a school opening day report at the Mattapoisett School Committee meeting Sept. 10.

“It’s been great for me to see the first day of school. I know (Charles) West talked about how special that was, getting our staff together. I felt the exact same way,” Chamberlin said.

Three paraprofessionals also left the schools — Dionne Cozier, Linda Aruri and Denise Ellis. The district has hired Caitlin Vieira and Alexander lannitelli, but West said they are still looking for a third paraprofessional.

Several teachers also left the district at the end of last school year. Music teacher Sarah Leahy, and special education teachers Nancy Pope and Claudia Duke these positions are now staffed by Nickolas Doshier, Joanna MacDonald Ingham and Olivia Perreira respectively.

Kristine Lemee-Vidal was also hired as a math interventionist.