Phi Delta Kappa, Columbia
University,
Celebrates Achievements of Principals
by Pola Rosen, Ed.D.
Phi Delta Kappa honored three principals for
their outstanding work in inclusion and special education,
with a gala dinner at the Columbia University Faculty House
recently. Maria Ciccone, the principal of PS 222 in Queens
was honored as Principal of the Year. She has worked alongside
Professor Lucy Caulkins; her school has been a model site for
the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project for many years.
A tearful moment was shared at the podium by a parent who named
Ms. Ciccone as a sensitive and caring human being who helped
save her son.
Loretta Caputo was named Inclusion Principal
of the Year at PS 134, Manhattan while Dr. Cathy Rikhye, Director
of Inclusive Education for District 75 was named Educator of
the Year.
Hundreds of teachers, supervisors, family members
and parents gathered to pay homage to these women of courage,
sensitivity and vision for their contributions to the lives
of challenged children.
Officers of Phi Delta
Kappa giving awards and paying tribute were Joe DiLeo, President
and assistant professor of music education at Five Towns
College in Dix Hills, New York; Joan Washington, Principal
of PS 811 in Queens and vice-president of membership, Dr.
Pola Rosen, vice president of public relations and Dr. Stephen
Levy, vice-president of programs and retired New York City
principal. Dr. Levy was presented an award for many years
of service and dedication to Phi Delta Kappa, converting
a sentimental moment into one of merriment by accepting in
his “cafeteria voice.”#
