By Max Bowen-max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
A North Attleborough High School music teacher and band director will soon be moving from the classroom to the main office.
Thomas Rizzo has been appointed as the new assistant principal of NAHS, in an announcement made Wednesday by Superintendent John Antonucci. Rizzo will assume the role—currently held by Russ Booth—effective July 1.
Rizzo has served as Director of Instrumental Music for grades 9-12 since 2006. During this time he has also been the Music Director/K-12 coordinator, district Curriculum Review Leader, NAHS rubrics committee member, NAHS scheduling task force member, and NAHS School Council member. Since 2017 he has been the Fine Arts Curriculum Instructional Leader. He is the namesake of the “Thomas P. Rizzo Music Education Scholarship” founded by community parents in 2012.
In late 2016, Rizzo served as interim assistant principal at NAHS, where he was responsible for student discipline, student support, teacher evaluations, student “at risk” meetings, summer school coordination, and planning and execution of graduation.
“Assistant Principal Rizzo has more than 16 years of passionate and enthusiastic experience, and we are excited for him to bring his proven track record of supporting students and building relationships with the community to his new role,” said Antonucci in a statement. “He understands the importance of collaboration and leading by example, which are critical skills for any administrator. On behalf of the entire North Attleborough Public School community, we congratulate Assistant Principal Rizzo on this recent promotion.”
NAHS Principal Peter Haviland said Rizzo was the ideal choice for the position, that he has served the school for years as a leader and influential voice.
“In addition to his role as music teacher and band director, he has also been a constant source of leadership while serving our school as a Curriculum and Instructional Leader,” said Haviland. “It has been in his highly effective work as an instructional leader that he refined his natural leadership skills, which successfully put him in position to be ready to fill the role of Assistant Principal at NAHS. We are excited for him to join our leadership team and look forward to the continued positive impact that he will have on students, staff, and families of North Attleborough High School.”
This is one of a few recent changes in the administration of the town’s schools. Earlier this year, Early Learning Center Director Tracey Vaughan announced she would be stepping down in July to take a position at King Phillip Middle School. Amvet School Principal Kristine Kefor will also be moving to a new role in Rehoboth at the Palmer River Elementary School in July.
Rizzo wrote that leaving the classroom and the role of band director was a bittersweet decision, but he is excited to work with the students, staff, and community in a different way.
“As a resident and product of the North Attleborough School system, it brings me great pride to give back to this place which has given me so much,” he said. “I am grateful for the opportunity and the trust of the administration and staff to continue our efforts of making NAHS a great place for students to learn and grow.”
In addition to his roles as a teacher and band director, Rizzo is a North Attleborough resident who served as a Representative Town Meeting member for several years. He has been an Executive Board Officer for the Triboro Youth Theater, Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA), and Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA).
