When students return to Hampton Street School on Thursday, Sept. 1, they’ll have a friendly new face greeting them. Margarita Maravel took over as principal of the Hampton Street School in July, and said she is looking forward to welcoming kids back to school next week.
“I am committed to helping each student achieve their very best,” Maravel said. “Along with the teachers and staff, I will work hard to create a learning environment where children are happy, want to come to school and are excited to be here.”
With more than 15 years of teaching experience in the district, Maravel is no stranger to Mineola. She got her start as a first- and second-grade teacher at Jackson Avenue for six years, before serving as the school’s literacy coordinator. She then went on to become a reading teacher at the middle school for three years and most recently was an instructional leader of English Language Arts and social studies at the middle school.
Maravel holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and psychology from Hofstra University, a master’s degree in literacy studies from Hofstra University, a literacy coordinator certificate from Lesley University and a school district administration certificate from LIU Post. She has extensive knowledge in reading and writing workshop models and has overseen numerous initiatives in the district.
She said she is excited to work with the teachers at Hampton, to provide students with a “high quality school experience.”
“Because of my experience in literacy, specifically, I am excited to be able to provide teachers with the support they’ll need to successfully implement the reading and writing workshop model within their classrooms and support with all areas of literacy,” Maravel said.
She said she wants to continue to integrate technology in the classrooms of Mineola’s youngest learners.
“Specifically with the iPads, which will start to be used this year more than last year,” Maravel said, adding that technology and apps can help cater to student needs and allow them customized instruction. “We can support our students and individualize instruction and differentiate for our students through technology.”
The educator said she enjoys working with pre-K through second-grade students because of their innocence, spontaneity and honesty.
“That population is very endearing,” Maravel said. “I plan to be in the classrooms everyday speaking to and supporting children and teachers.”
