William A. Diggs Elementary School Vice Principal Louis D’Ambrosio, right, was honored by the Board of Education on June 9 as the 2015 Charles County Public Schools Vice Principal of the Year. Board Chairman Virginia McGraw, pictured left, presented D’Ambrosio with a plaque of recognition during the June 9 Board meeting. CCPS honors one outstanding vice principal per year.
Louis D’Ambrosio, a vice principal at William A. Diggs Elementary School, is the 2015 Charles County Public Schools Vice Principal of the Year. He was selected for the annual honor for his passion for working with children and commitment to education. D’Ambrosio has served as a vice principal at Diggs since 2011. He was recently appointed as principal at Arthur Middleton Elementary School for the 2015-16 school year.
D’Ambrosio said throughout his life he has encountered numerous people who have positively impacted his career and helped him get to where he is today. He is also humbled by the recognition and said after he was notified of his award selection, it took him a few minutes to realize the honor being bestowed upon him.
“I was instantly humbled. Everyone always says that they can think of a teacher or coach or one single individual that helped them at the right time in their lives. I can list numerous influences in my life starting from first grade and up to now that have had a positive impact in my life. It truly does take a village to raise a child. I am honored and humbled to be nominated as an important part of the village,” he said.
Criteria for the Vice Principal of the Year award include a strong work ethic, commitment to the success of students and staff, and the ability to help maintain a positive learning environment. In letters written on behalf of D’Ambrosio’s nomination, his peers, parents and students say that he embodies all of the qualities of a great educator who is passionate about student success.
Diggs fifth grader Brianna Tabayoyong said D’Ambrosio is always there for students when they need additional assistance, or positive emotional support. In her letter of recommendation, she said D’Ambrosio is a role model for students. “When you’re feeling down, he is there. Mr. D’Ambrosio always has something positive to say. He is always there for you if you need him,” Tabayoyong wrote in a nomination letter.
D’Ambrosio’s nomination includes several recommendation letters from Diggs grade-level teams that highlight his ability to connect with not only students, staff and parents, but the entire school community. Members of the third-grade team said his ability to connect with students and strong work ethic make D’Ambrosio a standout leader.
“From the moment he joined the William A. Diggs staff he has maintained a positive attitude and strong goal-oriented work ethic. He is a creative and original thinker. He is committed to his staff and student growth and establishes positive partnerships with the community by being involved in several school programs,” wrote the Diggs’ third-grade team of teachers Tracey Crawford, Jennifer Krex, Stephanie Mooneyham and Corrie Wutka.
As a vice principal at Diggs, D’Ambrosio is visible in school hallways and classrooms. He makes it a point to visit each classroom daily and serves as a mentor for struggling learners. He assisted with the creation of the school improvement plan and student learning outcomes, and helps to develop the master schedule and testing calendar annually. He also delegates bus coordinator duties and manages the school website.
D’Ambrosio is an active member of the Diggs Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and attends several PTO events and spirit nights to support the school community. He also provides professional development for staff including presentations on differentiated instruction, the teacher observation process and the use of Edline. Additionally, D’Ambrosio has served as acting principal at Diggs while his principal was on extended leave.
Diggs Principal Sandra Taylor said D’Ambrosio is an exemplary part of her administrative team. “I have had the pleasure of working with Lou D’Ambrosio as my vice principal for the past four years. His leadership and administrative qualities have been invaluable. I truly believe there is no better candidate to receive this accolade. Last year, while I was out on maternity leave, Mr. D’Ambrosio proved that he is capable of running a school effectively. So it is without reservation that I nominate him for this award,” Taylor wrote in an award nomination letter.
D’Ambrosio began his career with Charles County Public Schools as a special education teacher at Milton M. Somers Middle School in 2001. In 2006, he was named as vice principal at Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School, and then transferred to vice principal at Indian Head Elementary School in 2007. D’Ambrosio served as the vice principal at Indian Head until 2011 when he took a vice principal position at Diggs. On July 1, D’Ambrosio starts his appointment as the new principal at Middleton.
He has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in special education, both from Mercyhurst University. He also has a certificate in advanced study in education from Notre Dame of Maryland University. D’Ambrosio was honored by the Board of Education on June 9. The Board honors one outstanding vice principal each year.
