By Jessica Easthope
St. Mel’s Catholic Academy is excited to introduce its new principal, Lauren Giacalone, who is ready to make an impact.
Giacalone is looking to not only help students grow but to grow alongside them.
“I’m in the classrooms all the time. That’s where I belong,” Giacalone shares. “I want the children to know me, and I want to know them. I want to help with a lesson where a child is struggling.”
Giacalone wants to be seen and accessible to everyone in the school, both staff and students.
Her goal is to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
St. Mel’s journey has been one of resilience.
Once at risk of closure, the school was able to maintain and expand.
The 3rd graders, who were once the oldest in the school, will soon be the first 8th grade class, restoring the school’s full grade structure.
Since becoming principal, Giacalone immediately felt a deep sense of acceptance.
“This building has such a sense of home and family,” she said. “Everyone has taken me in as if I’ve been here forever.”
Her mission is clear: to be the kind of educator who makes a lasting difference.
“I need to be the person who remembers each child, their story, and who they are,” Giacalone said. “That’s what changes lives,” she says.
Giacalone’s passion for Catholic education shines through as she embarks on this journey at St. Mel’s, determined to leave a lasting impact on her students and community.