The Vernon Board of Education on Monday unanimously appointed Melissa Luke as the principal of Vernon Center Middle School, effective July 1. Luke, who now serves as assistant principal at VCMS, replaces David Caruso, who is leaving to become superintendent of schools in Bolton on July 1.
Luke has been at Vernon Center Middle School for five years. Before that, she was the Mathematics Department Supervisor for the Simsbury Public Schools, and before that a middle school math teacher for 16 years. She was selected from a pool of 32 candidates and rose to the top in a series of interviews and then focus groups with VCMS students, parents and teachers, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said.
“Melissa is the most qualified candidate and I think will do a great job continuing the work we have focused on at Vernon Center Middle School – moving students forward academically, socially and emotionally each and every day,” Macary said. “She brings to the position a wealth of experience in mathematics curriculum development, school and district assessments and positive school climate practices.”
“We are beyond excited to welcome Melissa in her new role as principal at VCMS,” Vernon Board of Education Chairman Paul Grabowski said. “Her dedication to the Vernon community and commitment to student success and achievement really stood out during the interview process. She brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the position that is going to benefit our students, and we are excited to continue the great work being done at VCMS.”
For Luke, it is the attainment of her dream in a career devoted to middle school students.
“This has been my life goal since I was 20 years old,” she said. “This is what I always strived for and wanted to be. This is a really big moment for me and the school. I’m really excited.”
While some teachers and administrators (and parents) find the middle school years challenging, Luke said she views them as an opportunity.
“When I was teaching 7th and 8th grade, I loved the feeling that you’re preparing students to become young adults,” she said. “There’s a lot of inspiration in that. You can help mold them and help them learn to work with the different situations they face.”
When she was earning her master’s degree, she designed a program that focused on middle school students – who they are, how you teach them.
“The middle school level is unpredictable and that’s the best part of it,” Luke said. “Middle school students are still learning who they are. They are continuing to evolve, from one interest to another, one friend group to another. You can guide students and help them realize it’s OK to try a different interest.”
Before moving into administration in Simsbury, Luke taught in Thomaston, East Haddam and East Hartford.
“My career is definitely a mixture of rural, suburban and urban, just like Vernon,” she said. “All my different experiences got me ready to help any student from any area or background.”
And Vernon is her landing spot, she said. “I absolutely love the community, the families, the kids and our staff,” she said. “They were excited when they found out I’m going to be the principal, which made me feel awesome.”
Caruso was a mentor to Luke as she earned her administrative degrees and she jumped at the opportunity to work with him at Vernon Center Middle School. Caruso said the school is in good hands.
“Mrs. Luke has been an integral part of VCMS’s success over the past five years,” Caruso said. “She is a hardworking and dedicated professional who cares deeply about students and is committed to supporting staff so they are equipped to do what they do best. I am proud of the work we have done together as a school and excited for what lies ahead for both VCMS and Mrs. Luke as she steps into her new role as principal.”
Luke said Bolton is lucky to have Caruso lead its schools.
“I’m sad to see him go, but I’m excited for the opportunity to continue our work at VCMS,” she said.