Award

comfort zone in order to grow, and to do it with finesse so that they think it’s a great idea is Donna’s personal challenge.”

Schools Supt. Patrick McGee said Coderre is “incredibly deserving” of the prestigious award.

“She has been a trailblazer for the full day kindergarten implementation, and she is an advocate for her teachers, staff and most importantly her students,” said McGee, who has worked with Coderre for over 20 years at the Woonsocket Education Department.

“Elementary school principals serve students at a critical juncture of their learning and development,” added Jenny Chan-Remka, assistant superintendent of schools, who nominated Coderre for the honor. “Donna is to be commended for her leadership and efforts to do what is best for her students.”

The Elementary School Principal of the Year winner was selected from a pool of nominees. She will be recognized at the RIASP Principal of the Year Banquet on May 24.

The award affords her the opportunity to compete for the National Distinguished Principal of the Year award. The RIASP Elementary Principal of the Year recognition program is run in conjunction with the National Distinguished Principal Program (NDP) which is sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) in corporate sponsorship with the Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company (VALIC).