MMS’s own Mark Hatch 2018 MPA Principal of the Year
Friday, April 6th the Messalonskee Middle School community gathered at an assembly to honor principal Mark Hatch, the 2018 MPA Principal of the Year.
“Mr. Hatch respects us as students and as people,” said 6th grader Griffin Brown. “Also he knows a lot about video games, which is savage.”
Hatch was nominated by MMS Computer Integration Specialist Kim Fish and his former second in command, Melanie Smith who is now the Williams Elementary School principal. The duo nominated him for “his personable, and sometimes humorous, personality, exceptional leadership skills, and desire to make Messalonskee Middle School an engaging learning community for all that helps all students surpass their potential while holding to the visions set forth by the community and board members.”
The nomination letter also focused on his work to restructure the leadership model at MMS in order to include a wider variety of stakeholders and the way he has created an inclusive community that makes parents feel welcomed. He coordinates parent meetings on topics of interest, hosts recognition breakfasts for the families of the students of the month three times a year, and has recently added a Watch D.O.G.S. father’s program to MMS.
In addition to his work with the middle school, Hatch has been the leading administrator on the committee to implement the Teacher Professional Growth and Performance Evaluation Model in RSU 18. He has supported the growth of his staff through the use of the program as well as through differentiated professional development that allows teacher choice during workshop days. He also works hard to celebrate staff success and even implemented the “Making a Difference Award” which encourages staff members to recognize their peers for the amazing things they do in and out of their classrooms.
“I have known Mr. Hatch as an educator for more than two decades,” said Superintendent Carl Gartley, “we taught together early on in our careers and it is refreshing to say that his core belief system has not changed. His opinions are genuine and he makes decisions based on what he believes is best for kids. His staff, students, parents and colleagues all have a great deal of respect for Mark, and we are lucky to have him as a leader in RSU 18.”
Congratulations to Mark Hatch on a well-deserved award!