NVD students and faculty welcomed back Principal Dr. Sabatini from NVOT this 2023-2024 school year.
(photo courtesy of dailyvoice.com)
Dr. Sabatini was greatly appreciative of the chance to work as the principal of NVD and reminded himself as well as the school of a life lesson that people should only control what they can control. Additionally, teachers and students at school as well as parents at Back to School Night received wristbands with the message written on them to reinforce the importance of the concept.
“In the spirit of modeling the chance to control what we can control, I have embraced this opportunity and am controlling what I can control, which is to do the best possible job at NVD. My goal is to back up the phrase, control what we all can control, with tangible examples,” Sabatini said.
An aspect of the job Dr. Sabatini was looking forward to was meeting and interacting with new students and teachers. He has been connecting with people as they roam the halls between classes, during lunch, or when they are present at school events.
“Showing genuine interest in the life and spirit of the high school both in classrooms and beyond the walls of a classroom demonstrates sincerity of purpose and backing up words with action. We had a great start to the school year,” Sabatini said.
Moreover, one way that Dr. Sabatini wished to improve the school was by addressing everyone with pronouns like “we,” instead of “you.” By using more collective pronouns, there is a better sense of togetherness in the school.
“I would say in any school where I have worked, I have always understood that students really listen when they hear the pronoun, “we,” not “you,” have to do something. Excellent feedback has come from graduates and parents in carrying it over to post-secondary schooling and the workforce. It works. Stress and pressure are relieved when we all focus on what we can control,” Sabatini said.
The recognition that administrators and educators have the chance to create a positive and encouraging environment for students is one of many aspects that inspired Dr. Sabatini to work as a principal. He was inspired by how teachers, guidance counselors, and principals had the ability to effectively teach the new generation of students and shape young minds for the future.
“I have discovered over many years as a teacher, guidance counselor, supervisor, athletic director, coach, and assistant principal, that a principal has the opportunity to facilitate a positive climate or culture within the school… We want our school to be a place where there is effective teaching and productive learning,” Sabatini said.
Ultimately, Dr. Sabatini wants to establish a communicative and relationship-driven environment where all voices are heard and students can comfortably grow from their mistakes. He highlighted the importance of lifetime skills such as effort, work ethic, perseverance, integrity, and emotional intelligence. He is a principal who wants to create an environment where students can improve everyday with growth-mindsets.
“The goal is to learn, grow, compensate and adjust, and again, continue to move forward incrementally, regardless of obstacles that confront us. Again, we are all in this together. Our ability to enhance our emotional intelligence, or emotional quotient, by focusing on the continued development of our lifetime skills, will enable us to continue to move forward and achieve the results we are looking for, as well as achieve our long-term goals,” Sabatini said.
