News Stories, School News

Burlington Schools Welcome Memorial Interim Principal Tara Harris

The Burlington Public Schools are welcoming an interim principal for Memorial and would like to introduce her to the community.

“I am pleased to inform you that Ms.Tara Harris will be acting as Interim Principal for the 2021-2022 school year,” Superintendent Eric Conti said in a letter. “Although a Massachusetts native, Tara joins the Burlington administrative team after many years of experience in New York City schools. We are fortunate that she is moving back home and has agreed to work with us and cheer for a far superior baseball team.”

Conti said he was impressed with Harris’s commitment to children throughout her career. She has significant experience working with children with Autism in various capacities in both large district and small school settings.

“I think her child-first core value matches well with the Memorial community,” he said.

Harris said she is excited to come to Memorial.

“It is truly an honor and privilege to be serving as your Principal for the 2021-2022 school year,” she said. “I am a native of Boston, Massachusetts and a graduate of Natick High School. I am overly excited to be back home and be able to support the children and families of the Burlington community.”

Harris has spent 21 years working for schools in New York City in various capacities. She has spent seven years in child welfare/child protection and 14 years with the Department of Education serving as a Special Education teacher, PBIS Coordinator, a Special Education Administrator/Borough Manager for ASD Programs, Assistant Principal, and Director of Special Education.

“I bring with me a wealth of experience related, but not limited to, special education, behavior, classroom management, Autism, ED, learning disabilities, curriculum writing, and educational leadership. Please feel free to ‘pick my brain’ when needed.”

In the letter, Harris said she is committed to ensuring all students get the education they need.

“I believe wholeheartedly that every child deserves a stellar education,” she said. “Every child has a story, and as educators, it is our job to learn that story. Once you learn that story, it should positively impact the way in which you interact with that child. Every child is capable of learning and when you raise the bar, children will rise to meet it. I believe that school is a safe haven for children, where they learn life lessons beyond the classroom. I believe in the importance of the home/school partnership, we are a team and together every student will succeed.”

Finally, she said she knows this year will have its unique challenges as students return to fully reopened schools and those students who had been remote find themselves in a classroom for the first time in over a year.

“As we move into the new school year, during these still uncertain and difficult times, I encourage you to remember one word: Grace,” she said. “Remember to extend grace to yourselves and to those around you, especially our children. I am fully committed to supporting the staff, students and families of Memorial in any way that I can. I am committed to upholding the high standards and the legacy of Memorial Elementary School. I am always available by email tharris@bpsk12.org, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.”