SPRINGFIELD, Mass.- When it comes to principals, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone as dedicated to middle schoolers as Parkside’s Scott Szuksta. His thoughtful, student-first leadership style is what earned him the New England League of Middle Schools A+ Administrator Award.
Szuksta has worked for Manchester School District since 2017 when he was first hired as the assistant principal at McLaughlin Middle School. He was named principal of Parkside in 2020, guiding his team through everything from the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery to the current Priority One renovation of the school.
The nomination came from Assistant Superintendent of High Schools and Operations, Dr. Kelly Espinola. She cited his deep understanding of how young adolescents learn, grow, and navigate the academic, social, and emotional complexities of the middle school years, adding his leadership has shaped a school culture that is developmentally responsive, inclusive, and focused on student success.
“I am honored to be recognized for the work our school does to help our students during a pivotal time in their lives. I work with amazing students and an incredible group of educators who are committed to meeting students where they are and helping them grow academically and socially. This helps to make Parkside a place where students are seen, supported and challenged every day.”
About New England League of Middle Schools: The New England League of Middle Schools is a nonprofit organization filed under Massachusetts Articles of Corporation. With 300 member schools and more than 15,000 individual members in six New England states and beyond, The New England League of Middle Schools is committed to offering quality professional development, advocacy for the important and unique middle years, networking, colleague support, and educational resources.