Rochelle Rubino, appointed just this year, is the new principal of Ottoson Middle School (OMS)! Before taking on this role, Rubino was the assistant principal at OMS and worked within Arlington Public Schools. Now, students across the school are interested in learning more about her journey and how she stepped into this leadership role. To answer some of these questions, we decided to speak with her- here’s what she had to say!
You’ve worked at Ottoson Middle School as the assistant principal from 2018 to 2022. Have you wanted to be a principal for a long time?
Ms. Rubino: Yes. After teaching for a while, I decided that I wanted to become an administrator. I decided to become an assistant principal first because it was a good way to learn the role of a building administrator. Once I felt more confident in myself as a leader, I knew that I was ready to take on the role of the principal of the building.
Do you know how somebody gets the job of a principal? How do they get chosen?
Ms. Rubino: It is a process; first, you have to have a degree in administration and then apply for your certification. I started off as a teacher, then decided to go back to school to get a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS). I was a teacher for almost 10 years before moving into administration.
What time do you usually arrive and leave the school each day?
Ms. Rubino: 7:15-7:30 in the morning is when I arrive. It really depends on what’s happening after school – so I would say I leave around 4:00-5:00. I like seeing students participate in activities outside of the classroom such as musical programs, clubs and sports! I love supporting students and showing that they have a sense of belonging!
What are your favorite and least favorite parts about your job?
Ms. Rubino: I think my favorite part about my job is that you never know what the day is going to bring. I love the sense of the unknown, so I’m always being kept on my feet. But… the very best part is going into classrooms and seeing students learn and engage in learning. I love getting to know students – even seeing them outside of class (like we are now). Anytime I’m able to get outside my office, I go and engage with the students, and stick around.
According to our research, you’ve gone to great lengths to improve and redesign middle school learning for all kinds of students. What are you planning on doing to improve OMS?
Ms. Rubino: There are quite a few things I’m thinking of doing. We want to bring things like drama and chorus into the school day as electives. This is a work in progress though, I don’t know the specifics yet – but I’m doing my best to make it happen so students can be happy.
What do the Ottoson Core Values “Engage, Empower, Excel” mean to you?
Ms. Rubino: Wow, I love this question. For me, to “Engage” means that students are actively engaged in learning, in classrooms, and outside the classroom – in community. I think “Empower” is the actions you can do to be the best you. It’s also encouraging other people to be the best they can be. And “Excel” means to give your best effort into subjects and clubs, such as band, orchestra, and cross-country – going above and beyond in your achievements. It’s transferring those skills into something you actively enjoy.
On the announcements every morning, I always say “Work hard, be kind, and speak your truth” – and I mean it. If you are engaging, empowering, and excelling, then you are doing that. You have to share that, speak your truth. I’ve tried to make it a priority to refocus so students know what this means. One of the goals I really have is for students to understand what Engage, Empower, and Excel really mean.
What is something interesting about yourself that you would like to have known?
Ms. Rubino: Well, I have a twin sister – identical, actually – but if you know us pretty well you can tell us apart. I am a Gemini, which is funny (because I’m a twin). Also, I like to ski in the wintertime, and I love the beach because summer is my favorite season!
From our research, we noticed that you have a background in journalism. What is something you would like to see in the Ottoson Insider? Do you have any tips for our contributors?
Ms. Rubino: I was an English and journalism teacher. I had dreams of being a journalist – a lifelong dream, really. If someone asked me if I would like to work on NBC, I would have definitely said yes! I was, in fact, the editor of the school newspaper. I wanted to get into education though, and that was my true calling. Journalism was hard because of long nights, but it was definitely worth it.
This is a hard question: If you could give any advice to the whole world, what would it be?
Ms. Rubino: Stay true to you, know your value, and most of all, be kind! You never know what battle someone is facing, so treat everyone with kindness (the Golden Rule).
