We are so excited to welcome the two newest additions to the Schodack Administration Team: Hillary Brochu and Nicole Martin!
As of July 1, Ms. Brochu is the new Assistant Principal of Maple Hill Jr./Sr. High School and Ms. Martin is the new Assistant Principal of Castleton Elementary School. We are excited to have them join Ms. Hill and Mr. Derby, respectively, in their buildings and cannot wait for our Schodack families to meet them!
Since the start of the 21-22 school year is still a little ways off, we checked in with Ms. Brochu and Ms. Hill to ask them a few “get to know you” questions so the school community could learn a little more about them before next year.
Tell us a little about your background and how it brought you to your new role in Schodack.
Ms. Brochu (MH Jr./Sr. HS): I started my teaching career at a small private school in Lansingburgh as a kindergarten teacher and then as a 1st-grade teacher. I later extended my certification to teach Earth Science for grades 7-12 and was fortunate enough to find a job teaching that subject in the Watervliet City School District. I taught in Watervliet for six years and made wonderful memories there. I pursued my School Building Leader certification at the College of Saint Rose while teaching and after hearing such amazing things about Schodack Schools, I knew the assistant principal position at Maple Hill was right for me.
Ms. Martin (CES): I am entering my 17th year in education. I’ve been a classroom teacher, literacy specialist, instructional coach, behavior specialist, and Director of Special Education. I feel my varied professional education experience has helped me develop many skills that I can share as the Assistant Principal at CES.
What drew you to the Assistant Principal position in particular?
Ms. Brochu: Growing up I was very fortunate to have wonderful teachers and wonderful school administrators. As a teacher, I saw what a profound impact a really great school leader can have on a child’s educational experience, and I knew from my early teaching years that I wanted to be that type of school leader. I understand how important it is for a school leader to make meaningful relationships with students so they can be there for students in their time of need.
Ms. Martin: The reason I majored in education during college was to work with students and to help them learn and grow. The Assistant Principal position at CES will let me do that by not only working directly with the students but also the CES staff, families and community members.
What do you hope to accomplish in your first few weeks/months?
Ms. Brochu: It’s my hope that this school year will look more traditional in nature than last year and students can have a more wholesome school experience. My goal for the first few weeks is to get to know as many faculty, staff, and students as I can! I’m very excited to be a part of the Maple Hill community and to see where I can use my experience to make the most impact.
Ms. Martin: Over the next two months I hope to start building relationships with as many CES staff, families, and the community as I can. I’m excited to learn about the students at CES, its programs and meeting the people who stop in over the summer.
What’s something about your work style that you want Schodack families and faculty/staff to know about you right off the bat?
Ms. Brochu: I am here to do the work that needs to be done so I can be the best assistant principal that I can be. That means I will be at as many school and community events that I can, and I will most likely bring along my family! I believe the key to balancing home and work life is to incorporate the two together whenever possible. I will be a cheerleader for our students and provide support to faculty and staff in any way I can.
Ms. Martin: I have a genuine passion for education and welcome collaboration with others. If anyone in the school community has questions over the summer or once the school year starts, my door is always open.
Finally, what’s life like outside of work?
Ms. Brochu: I live in Clifton Park with my husband and two children; Max is seven years old and going into 2nd grade and Ella is a year and a half old. When I’m not at work I try to spend all of my free time with my family. We enjoy swimming, creating arts and crafts, and playing games. My husband and I also bake custom-decorated cookies that we sell to family and friends. It’s turned into a fun little hobby!
Ms. Martin: My life outside of work finds my husband Matt and I walking our dog Violet, cheering for the Buffalo Bills, reading when I have spare time and visiting family & friends.