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Angelo Cocchiola appointed new principal of Northport Middle School, effective July 1

Schools

by Chrissy Ruggeri | Tue, Nov 26 2024
Currently an assistant principal at Northport High School, Angelo Cocchiola was named last week the new principal of Northport Middle School, effective July 1.

Currently an assistant principal at Northport High School, Angelo Cocchiola was named last week the new principal of Northport Middle School, effective July 1.

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At the November 21 meeting of the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District Board of Education, the board appointed Angelo Cocchiola as the new principal of Northport Middle School, effective July 1. He will replace current Northport Middle School (NMS) Dr. Tim Hoss, who will retire at the end of the school year after leading the middle school for 16 years as principal.

Cocchiola has served as assistant principal at Northport High School for the last three years; prior to that, he was the assistant principal at East Northport Middle School. Before his time as an administrator, Cocciola was a middle and high school social studies teacher for 17 years.

Cocchiola holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University at Albany, a master’s degree in secondary education from Hofstra University and an advanced certificate in educational leadership from Long Island University.

In a district press release, Cocchiola expressed excitement for his new position as principal of NMS, and working with staff there, including Assistant Principal Dr. Chelsea Brown. “I believe that a school’s primary responsibility is to prepare children to be compassionate, conscientious and productive members of both our local and global communities,” he said. “Under Dr. Hoss’s leadership, Northport Middle School has become a place where students are encouraged to grow as individuals and refine their talents and skills. I look forward to working closely with Dr. Brown, the dedicated middle school staff, and our community to build upon Dr. Hoss’s legacy and continue making Northport Middle School a place where every student feels supported and challenged to reach their full potential.”

Last week, Hoss sent a letter to parents and NMS staff describing his predecessor as an “outstanding educational leader with many years of middle-level experience.” Hoss said that he’s delighted to support Cocchiola’s transition before the new principal formally joins the NMS family this summer. 

And in an email to Northport High School parents also sent last week, Principal Robert Dennis wrote that while this is an exciting opportunity for Cocchiola, he will be sorely missed as an outstanding assistant principal. “Angelo is smart, kind, patient, learner-centered, and truly demonstrates each of the characteristics of our Profile of a Graduate,” Dennis wrote. 

During the search process, which took place over several months, Cocchiola met with multiple groups of district stakeholders, including parents, faculty, staff and administration, and was “universally endorsed as the right person to lead Northport Middle School into the future and build upon the exceptional legacy established by Dr. Tim Hoss,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dave Moyer said. 

“I believe that the reason he connected so well during the process is that his commitment to whole-child, middle-level educational principles, and building relationships with each and every member of the school community was both obvious and genuine,” Moyer added. 

When asked if Cocchiola’s assistant principal position at Northport High School will be filled in his leave, the district told the Journal that Superintendent Moyer will be presenting an administrative reorganization plan at the December 12 board meeting. “All proposed changes to the administrative structure will be shared publicly at that meeting,” officials said.

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