Schools
The New Middle School Principal Will Have a Presence
Veteran administrator Robert Murphy, who grew up in Swampscott, starts his new job July 1.
Students, teachers, staff, parents and anyone else at Swampscott Middle School next year can expect to see their new principal in the halls and classrooms and on the grounds.
Principal Robert Murphy says it's important to be visible and to let students know that he and others are interested in what they do.
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That might be interest in their participation in a science project, a concert, a track meet or their academic achievement.
"It's why I am in the job," he said in his office last month at Pickering Middle School in Lynn.
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He has been principal at Pickering for five years, and has taught or been an administrator since the 1990s in Swampscott, Marblehead, Revere or Lynn.
When he is in his Pickering office, the door is typically open. He has an easy rapport with office and other school staff.
Four or five former students work at the school in hall monitor and other positions. He has forged relationships inside and outside the school.
When he looks ahead to becoming the principal in Swampscott July 1, he experiences a range of emotions.
He is excited, nervous, sad and happy.
He is no stranger to Swampscott. He grew up quarter mile from the Swampscott Middle School.
And growing up he was no stranger to education. His mom and dad were teachers.
He likes structure and discipline.
He will focus on aligning the school's curriculum with state standards and with with other schools in the district.
He also likes to ease into a position, and will collect information, listen, watch and make positive changes that everyone can own and contribute to.
His first goal will be to hire an assistant principal.
He told School Committee members that he hopes to hire an assistant by the end of the month.
He has spent time with staff and students at the Swampscott Middle School.
The first visit, a transistion day at the school in April, was a very positive experience, he said.
He spent time in the hallways, classrooms and meeting teachers.
"I left energized," he said. "It was a good fit. It felt like a fit."
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