Mary Byrne
A new face will join the leadership team at Winn Brook Elementary School.
Principal Jennifer LaMontagne, who started July 1, was one of three new principals to join the leadership team for Belmont schools. She said she was most drawn to the “community feel” of the neighborhood school.
Previous Stories
- Winn Brook PTA Raises $125,000 Toward Paddle Fan Installation
- Eight Teachers Recognized for Excellence in Classroom
“It was clear that it was a close-knit community and people were very involved and really cared about the school and the community,” she said. “I think that it was evident through the interviewing process that people really loved the school and were committed to finding someone who was a good fit. … I kind of knew when I walked in that this was where I would like to be.”
Before joining Winn Brook, LaMontagne served for a year as an interim principal at Clinton [Mass.] Middle School.
“I really was in Clinton to relaunch a reading curriculum and to get some co-teaching classrooms up and running in fifth grade,” she said. “I quickly realized, when it came to the position, I didn’t want to stay in middle school, so I let them know early on I’d be looking to return to elementary school. So, here I am.”
LaMontagne’s career in education began in 1999 as an elementary school teacher at Boylston Elementary, where she taught for 15 years. From there, she transitioned into administrative roles, starting with an assistant principal position split between two Sudbury elementary schools. After a principalship there, she became principal at a Northborough elementary school.
“I really consider myself a lifelong learner and through the years of teaching, I started to take on more roles and responsibilities within the school, serving on various curriculum committees, hiring committees, professional development committees,” she said. “I was the union president. I kind of dabbled in [leadership roles] and wanted to keep learning and trying something new, so I switched over but this is really where I want to stay … I very much enjoy being in a school, working with children and working with teachers. I can’t imagine myself not being with kids every day.”
After many years as a teacher, she understands how decisions at the leadership and district levels affect what happens in the classroom.
“I’ve worked in similar type communities to Belmont, and I think it’s really important to have that teacher lens as well,” she said.
With the fourth-grade class moving to Chenery Upper Elementary School this fall, LaMontagne will ensure a smooth transition for the Winn Brook Elementary School community.
“This is an ideal time to come into the building to … work with the staff and the students to redefine Winn Brook as a K-3 school,” she said. “I think it’s important to work with the staff and students … on how we can relaunch as a K-3 school and weave in some new traditions for the school while still continuing those that may be important to the students, staff and community.”
LaMontagne said she prides herself on building connections between students, staff and families.
“I think this is going to be a year of learning and re-learning,” she said. “So, I think it’s a wonderful time to begin.”
