Effective as of November 30th, our beloved principal, Mr. Kirkpatrick, has taken on a new role within the Middletown School District. For the past three years, Mr. Kirkpatrick has led our school with a level head and sunny disposition. Though his leadership will be missed at South, it should serve him well in his future endeavors. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Kirkpatrick regarding his new position. Let’s see what he had to say!

Q: What is the full title of your new role?

A: The full title of my new role is District Director of Student Support Services.

Q: What does this position entail?

A: In my new position, I will have the opportunity to work with a variety of district staff members in areas such as counseling, nursing, security, bullying, athletics, attendance, and discipline, just to name a few.

Q: How will this role be similar to that of a principal? How will it differ?

A: After being in a school building for the last 20 years, it will be strange not to report to school every day, but I will still be in a capacity that will allow me to visit regularly. My new position will also allow me to support students throughout their educational careers. All of the areas that I am responsible for have a direct impact on the student experience. I will also have the opportunity to work with the students and staff in all 16 of Middletown’s public schools, where in the past, I was responsible for only one.

Q: What is one thing you’d like to say to MHSS students, staff, and families?

A: I would like the entire school community to know how much I have enjoyed my time at Middletown High School South.  I am proud that I had the opportunity to serve as principal, and I will always look back fondly on my time there.  I am looking forward to visiting regularly, attending events, and watching the seniors walk across the stage at graduation in June.

We wish Mr. Kirkpatrick the best of luck in his new role!