Deanna Zilske is going back to her former school.
The Jaffrey-Rindge Cooperative School District announced Monday that Zilske had been named principal of Jaffrey Grade School, and will take over the position July 1, the official start of the 2023-24 school year.
Zilske, currently the principal at Keene Middle School, attended Jaffrey Grade School from kindergarten through third grade.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to principal a school you went to and loved so much,” Zilske said.
According to Zilske, a top priority for her will be to listen and learn so she can “continue all of the incredible work that is already being done.”
“I plan to work with students, staff, and families to learn what is important to each of them and support their growth as a whole community,” she said. “Through collaborating with members of the JGS school community, I will learn what inspires them. We would then work together to integrate that into the learning for the students, empowering them to own their learning and grow and thrive in a supportive learning environment that extends beyond the walls of the school building.”
Prior to her arrival at Keene Middle School in 2017, Zilske was principal and an instructional coach at Harrisville-Wells Memorial School from 2013 to 2017. She has 10 years of teaching experience, including many years in elementary schools.
“Deanna is a dynamic, creative educator and leader. Her depth of experience, passion for learning, and dedication to enhancing the lives of children has been evident throughout her entire career,” said Jaffrey-Rindge Superintendent Reuben Duncan. “We are very excited that Deanna has chosen to join our team and serve as the next Jaffrey Grade School principal.”
Zilske will replace current Susan Shaw-Sarles, who is retiring at the end of the school year.
“As Jaffrey Grade School’s principal for the past 25 years, Susan has been an unwavering advocate for her staff and our JGS children,” stated Duncan. “Of particular significance, Susan led the charge many years ago for the implementation of full-day kindergarten and, more recently, played a critical role in ensuring our district provides universal full-day preschool access to 4-year-old learners in Rindge and Jaffrey. She will be sorely missed, but we are also excited for her as she explores what lies ahead.”
Zilske has a bachelor’s degree in theater arts from Wittenberg University, an MTA in elementary education from Pace University, a certificate of advanced graduate study in education administration from New England College, and a master’s degree in restorative practices from the International Institute for Restorative Practices. She also more than 10 years of experience as a theater and music director for places like Keene Lions Club, Keene State College, Keene High School and MoCo Arts.
Zilske met with school staff, students and families March 28 before her nomination was unanimously approved by the school board.
“Community was such an important thing to every level of stakeholder; everyone spoke so strongly about how vital the community is,” she said. “It is important to me that learners in a building feel connected to each other and to the broader school community. It is such an important piece developmentally for children, that sense of community and belonging. It helps to create a vibrant learning environment where everyone feels safe and heard, and is joyful about the learning experience.”