Mahopac Middle School recently welcomed two new assistant principals, Jessica Miller and Michael Rose, who have joined Principal Anthony Muia in leading the school. With backgrounds in classroom teaching, school leadership and student support, both administrators are focused on building relationships, strengthening the school community and helping students make the most of their middle school years.
Miller brings experience at the high school, middle school and career and technical education (CTE) levels. She spent 10 years teaching English as a New Language (ENL) students at the high school level before serving as a middle school assistant principal for three years and a CTE principal for two years.
Miller studied Spanish as an undergraduate at Mercy College and spent time living in Guadalajara, Mexico, gaining valuable cultural and language experience. She also earned a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Mercy College and completed her school building and district leadership studies and certifications through SUNY New Paltz.
“I believe middle school is a time when relationships matter just as much as learning,” Miller said. “Students should feel that they belong, that their voices are heard and that they have people in their corner who believe in them. I’m excited to be part of the Mahopac community and to work alongside our students, staff and families to make these years meaningful for every student.”
Rose joins Mahopac after serving as an assistant principal in the East Ramapo Central School District from 2023 to 2026. Before moving into school administration, he taught sixth and seventh grade social studies at Jonas Bronck Academy in the Bronx. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University at Albany, a master’s degree in teaching from CUNY Lehman College and a master’s degree in educational leadership from The College of Saint Rose.
A sports enthusiast, Rose also has a background in musical theater and instrumental music. He sees learning as an opportunity that can open doors for students and often returns to a favorite quote from Dr. Seuss: “The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
“I’m excited to join the Mahopac Middle School and look forward to getting to know our students, staff and families,” Rose said. “Middle school is an important time for students to discover their interests, build confidence and explore new opportunities. I hope to encourage students to stay curious, get involved and make the most of everything Mahopac has to offer.”
Together with Muia, Miller and Rose are making student connections a visible part of their daily work. The administrators use mobile office carts to move throughout the building, allowing them to spend time in different areas of the school, connect with students and remain accessible beyond their offices.
“Both Jessica and Michael have hit the ground running,” Muia said. “They have made it a priority to get to know our students, be present throughout the building and build relationships with the people who make Mahopac Middle School such a special community. I’m excited about the leadership team we’re building and the positive impact we can have together.”
Please join us in welcoming Jessica Miller and Michael Rose to Mahopac Middle School!
