Dear Thomson School Parent/Guardian:

As we prepare for the start of the 2008-2009 academic year I would like to introduce myself to the Thomson School community.  On reflection, perhaps this is not an introduction, but rather a reintroduction.  For the past ten years I have been honored to serve this community as a teacher and assistant principal at North Andover High School.  Recently, I have been privileged to accept the position of interim Principal at the Thomson School.

I come to this position with enthusiasm, dedication to the students, and a passion for the education of our youth.  This commitment has come full circle.  I was educated in the North Andover Public Schools and am a North Andover High School alumnus.  The fundamentals and love of learning I developed in my early years prepared me for my college experience at Springfield College.  Upon graduation I continued my professional development at Macalester College in Minnesota as a full time football coach.  I returned home to begin my career in secondary education at NAHS.  While strengthening my teaching skills in the classroom by day, I continued my formal education at Salem State College and received a Masters Degree in Education in 2002 and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership in 2005.

My education has not ended in the classroom.  I am an avid reader with a keen interest in historical studies.  Specifically, local and Asian history are my favorite topics of study.  Beyond the books, I enjoy traveling and my most recent trips included China, Ireland and the Dominican Republic.  I am also learning to be a parent, which has been my greatest life experience.   Daily, my 4-year-old daughter and 9-month old son spark my own curiosity with the world.

The belief that every child is capable of learning and succeeding academically is the cornerstone of my educational philosophy and the foundation on which I build my daily academic practices.  High expectations, a positive learning environment, and outstanding and dedicated faculty enable students to achieve their personal goals.  Most importantly a student needs the encouragement and active participation of their family and community.

I aim to continue to build upon the many positives of the Thomson School. My hope is to create an atmosphere of academic excellence, safety and respect for self and others, and a learning environment that sparks the imagination of our students.  I hope that students look forward to every day at the Thomson School and that we can foster an environment where fun and learning go hand in hand.

I look forward to the new school year and working collaboratively to ensure our students’ success.  I am honored to be a partner in your child’s educational experience.  I welcome your input and feedback and hope you will utilize my open door policy.  

Sincerely,

Gregg T. Gilligan