Half Hollow Hills Welcomes Four New Principals For The 2017-18 School Year

The Half Hollow Hills Central School District has appointed four new principals to begin leading the way at their buildings for the 2017-18 school year. The selections were made from a rich pool of highly qualified candidates that represented a mix of internal applicants and new faces to the district.

The principal position vacancies were filled at High School East, Candlewood Middle School, West Hollow Middle School and Signal Hill Elementary School by the following people:

• Milton Strong, new principal at High School East.
• Pamela Higgins, new principal at Candlewood Middle School.
• Steven Hauk, new principal at West Hollow Middle School.
• Maryann Fasciana, new principal at Signal Hill Elementary School.

Before taking the position at High School East, Strong was principal of West Hollow Middle School and began his career in the New York City Department of Education, where he had served as an assistant principal and dean of students.

“As a proud alumnus of High School East and somewhat of a historian of the school and the district, I have a deep respect for the work of my predecessors.  Under their leadership, High School East has enjoyed outstanding success that I look forward to building upon in the future,” said Strong. “One of the cornerstones of my educational philosophy is to focus on the continual enhancement of the student experience.  As we continue to embrace the tenets of 21st century learning, I look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to push this movement throughout all aspects of our school community.”

Higgins joins Candlewood Middle School from the Island Trees School District in Levittown, where she was the assistant principal of Island Trees High School and had previously served as their dean of students and social studies chairperson.

“Joining the Half Hollow Hills team is quite honestly a dream come true.  It is my goal to facilitate a learning environment at the middle level which is academically rigorous, yet allows students to expand their horizons, while ensuring that they feel safe, connected and supported,” said Higgins. “With the amazing faculty and staff here at Candlewood, we will continue our good work while seeking new challenges and opportunities to provide our students with the best middle school experience possible.”

Hauk is moving into his new position as principal of West Hollow Middle School from a familiar place, as he was previously an assistant principal there. Prior to that, he had also served as the K-8 math coordinator and data specialist in the West Babylon Union Free School District.

“Moving from assistant principal to the principal position in the building that I’ve worked in for the past nine years is so exciting,” said Hauk. “I look forward to the ongoing evolution of a 21st century school by continuing to support teachers as they explore new technologies and instructional strategies.  I hope to empower all of our students to explore everything that West Hollow has to offer.”

As the new principal of Signal Hill Elementary School, Fasciana is also well acquainted with her building and school community, as she was previously the assistant principal there.

“I have had the honor of working with fantastic students and families as a fourth and sixth grade teacher, followed by seven years as an elementary administrator,” said Fasciana. “I am so honored to continue my journey as the principal of Signal Hill, and I am looking forward to working closely with the Signal Hill community to provide exceptional opportunities for our students.”