There were rumors flying around last month that Brian Turner would be leaving F. A. Day as principal largely due to the handling of the swastikas found twice in and around the school. Not reporting this to the police in a timely way is the point of contention. Brian Turner did really great things for F. A. Day so it’s a shame that he’s leaving.

Mark Aronson was the interim principal at Newton North High School where he did an amazing job and is a beloved institution. He did such a good job that many wished he would stay as principal but he’s trying to retire so it’s nice that he’s willing to step into F. A. Day for a year.

Here’s the official announcements:

Dear Day Family,

I write to let you know that I am transitioning to a new position in the Newton Public Schools effective June 30, 2016. On July 1, I will be serving as the district’s director of professional development and assessment in the office of Teaching and Learning.

While I am looking forward to my new role, I leave the F.A. Day Middle School with mixed emotions. Since 2010, I have been privileged to serve as principal and will miss this incredibly vibrant community. Although it has been a challenging past year, I nonetheless reflect on the past six years and am proud of our many accomplishments. We increased technology in the classroom, launched and expanded multiple programs to support students academically and socially, adopted instructional strategies to cultivate critical thinking skills, and embraced the language and practices that foster growth mindsets. We have also put in place new programs and initiatives that will serve to increase awareness of and respect for the rich diversity among us and strengthen our efforts to create a safe and supportive school community.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize our outstanding teachers and staff who routinely go above and beyond to create a positive school culture that is focused on academic excellence and students’ social-emotional growth. Because of their caring ways and tireless passion for high-quality education, I know Day’s students will continue to thrive: learning about themselves, understanding and appreciating others, and exploring their ever-expanding worlds.

David Fleishman has already identified an interim principal for the upcoming year. This summer, I will work closely with the interim principal to ensure a smooth transition throughout the upcoming academic year.

Please know that I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Day and will miss my daily interactions with everyone. Thank you for your tremendous support over the years. I will cherish the many lessons I have learned at Day.

Sincerely,

Brian Turner

Principal

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Dear Day Community,

As you know, Brian Turner will be transitioning from his position as principal of Day to a new role as director of professional development and assessment. I want to thank Brian for his many contributions over the past six years. He is a thoughtful and dedicated educational leader who cares deeply that students have positive school experiences. I know Brian is greatly appreciative of the parent support that he has received during his tenure and has thoroughly valued working with the entire community. He is a highly knowledgeable instructional leader and will be moving to a position that will benefit from his background and experience in this area.

It is important to acknowledge that it has been a challenging year at Day. As a district, we are committed to ensure that Day is a healthy, positive and supportive environment for students and staff. In selecting an interim principal, I wanted to find a leader who knows our schools well and can continue to support students, teachers and families.

I am very pleased to announce that Mark Aronson, currently the interim principal at Newton North, will serve as interim principal at Day for the 2016-2017 school year. Mark is highly respected by all stakeholders at North because he has a capacity for leadership that is thoughtful, collaborative and fair. Over the course of the past year, Mark was able to gracefully and skillfully lead his school through a major leadership transition. I am so pleased that we will have an interim principal who brings wonderful wisdom and experience to the position.

Mark has spent his entire career in the Newton Public Schools. He began as a math teacher at Day, where he served for 13 years. He then transitioned to North as a math teacher and assistant housemaster. Mark was a housemaster (now Dean) for 13 years before becoming interim principal this past year. He is excited to return to the school at which he began his career over 30 years ago.

Mark will officially start at Day in the middle of July. I know Brian has done an excellent job preparing for next year, and know he will work closely with Mark to ensure that there will be a smooth opening in September.

Best wishes for a wonderful summer.

Sincerely,

David Fleishman

Superintendent of Schools