April 1, 2025

Dear Academy Families,

I am pleased to announce that Mrs. Mary Ann Carrion will assume the position of the Head of Lower School beginning July 1, 2025. Although we are sorry to see Ms. Cruz leave the Academy, we support her in her next chapter as the Head of Early Childhood Programs at Brooklyn Heights Montessori School. Please find a letter from Ms. Cruz below.

Mrs. Carrion joined the Academy faculty in 2005 after teaching at Trevor Day School for 12 years. Since her time at the Academy, she has been a dedicated teacher in both our Early Childhood and Lower School, Dean of Students and a mentor to many faculty. Mrs. Carrion has a Bachelor of Arts from Haverford College and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Mrs. Carrion is deeply committed to high-quality education for all children and is dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to an excellent education. She has a knack for finding ways to tailor instruction to meet individual students' needs, interests and learning styles, while helping them achieve their unique goals. She always puts students at the center of the educational experience and prioritizes their social-emotional, cognitive and physical development. These are values we look forward to in her leadership of our Early Childhood and Lower School.

As a leader in our community, we look forward to strong communication, organization and classroom management skills. Multi-lingual, Mrs. Carrion can communicate in English, Spanish and Italian. Additionally, she is an advocate for parent involvement and awareness in the process of education of each child. Mrs. Carrion moves into this administrative role with a complete understanding of Staten Island Academy. Not only has she been a teacher here for the last 20 years, she has a strong perspective as a parent raising three Staten Island Academy lifers: Katharine '18, Keven' 20 and Karyn '22. Mrs. Carrion’s commitment to lifelong learning is evident in all that she does, fostering a culture that values and promotes continuous learning and personal growth for students, educators and the broader community.

Mrs. Carrion’s 20 years at the Academy as a teacher, parent and mentor has enabled her to truly embrace the Academy’s culture and values. Her positive relationships with colleagues make this transition to the Head of Lower School easier as she already has built a level of trust and the ability to collaborate effectively.

Please join me in wishing Ms. Cruz all the best and welcoming Mrs. Carrion in her new leadership role.

Sincerely,

Dr. Eileen F. Corigliano

Head of School

Dear Academy Families, 

As Dr. Corigliano has shared, I will not be returning for the 2025-2026 school year. It was not an easy decision to make since I genuinely love the Staten Island Academy community, especially working with Early Childhood and Lower School students, teachers and families. I will be joining BHMS as the Head of Early Childhood Programs. This will allow me to have an easier commute and to reconnect with my Montessori roots. 

I am thrilled and excited for Mary Ann Carrion to step into the role of Head of Lower School. I have worked closely with Mrs. Carrion and have experienced firsthand her dedication to her students, understanding of child development and expertise as an educator. I am confident that you and your children will be in nurturing hands, and it is time to spread that Mrs. Carrion magic! Congratulations, Mary Ann!  

I am grateful for the support and guidance from Eileen and my colleagues. My life is richer because of Staten Island Academy. I will, of course, be relishing the rest of my time here at the Academy. I am particularly looking forward to all the events bringing us together to celebrate your wonderful children.  

Thank you for everything. We will finish the school year strong!  

Warmly, 

Ms. Cruz