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Principal Message

August 2025

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to a new school year! I hope your summer was filled with rest, joy, and memorable moments with family and friends.  As we begin this exciting new chapter, I want to express how thrilled we are to continue working together in support of our students — not only in their academic growth, but in their development as kind, compassionate, and responsible individuals.

Our recent academic performance data reflects the strength of our curriculum and the dedication of our students and staff. We are proud of the progress our learners are making, and we remain committed to maintaining high academic expectations for all.

This year, in addition to academic excellence, we are placing a renewed emphasis on character development. At Mattlin Middle School, we believe that Every Student Matters, Every Moment Counts. With this in mind, we are prioritizing meaningful peer relationships, positive student-teacher connections, and intentional opportunities for students to grow as leaders and citizens of our school community.  We will continue to utilize “4 @ the door + 1 more” in our quest to develop student character.  Here is a video as an introduction- The Character Strong Video - Four at the door.  

We also believe that learning should spark joy.  When students are excited about what they’re learning, they are more cognitively engaged, motivated, and prepared to succeed.  Our teachers are committed to creating safe, inclusive, and inspiring classroom environments where curiosity and creativity thrive.

As families prepare for the new school year — choosing that first-day outfit, shopping for supplies, and sharing excitement about reuniting with friends — we ask that you add one more meaningful conversation to your back-to-school traditions. Please take a moment to talk with your child about the importance of treating all peers with respect and kindness.  

It is essential that our students understand that there are boundaries around what is acceptable to say — whether face-to-face, on social media, or via text. We encourage conversations at home about language and behavior that are never okay, especially regarding race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or ability. At school, we will reinforce these values through student expectation meetings in the beginning of the school and throughout, lunch & learns, principal chats, and opportunities for reflection and growth.

Our goal is to ensure that every student feels safe, valued, and respected. This is where our Mattlin PRIDE values come into focus. PRIDE stands for:

  • Personal Best
  • Respect
  • Impulse Control
  • Decision Making
  • Empathy

These core principles guide our students to make thoughtful decisions, demonstrate integrity, and act with kindness. Mattlin PRIDE is the heartbeat of our school culture and helps shape the character of our future leaders.

As we look ahead, I hope this year becomes one where students not only strive for academic success but also focus on how they treat one another.  True success lies in how we make others feel — seen, heard, and respected.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Here’s to a wonderful and meaningful school year ahead!

Warm regards,

Respectfully,

Joseph Coladonato, Ed.D.  

Principal, Howard B. Mattlin Middle School