Llodra assumes interim position

Posted 12/06/04
By LAUREN REED Editor-in-Chief

         Upon retiring from Northwest Regional High School last year, Mrs. Patricia Llodra, NHS interim principal, had intended to begin a new phase of her life. A call from Dr. Evan Pitkoff, superintendent of schools, persuaded her to delay these plans.

         Llodra admits she was cautious at the first news of the interim principal position. However, the prospect of returning to school became exciting as she found herself already missing the constant exposure to faculty and students.

         “I really like their energy and I really like their curiosity. They are the people of the future and they are the leaders of the future,” said Llodra in reference to high school students.

         Llodra therefore accepted the role of interim principal at Newtown High School and assumed her position proceeding Mr. William Manfredonia’s retirement on November 30. Llodra will hold this position until June at the latest, when a new full-time principal is hired.

         Prior to serving as the principal of Northwest Regional High School for 15 years, Llodra was the assistant principal at Nonnewaug High School for three years. Llodra also spent many years before assuming administrative positions as a district wide computer coordinator, math teacher and computer teacher.

         Though Llodra never taught at Newtown High School, her allegiance to the school is strong.

         “My own kids loved this school, which made me feel very positive about it,” Llodra said.

         Her three children graduated from NHS during the 1980s. According to Llodra, they were extremely excited about their mother’s new job, for a few of their past teachers still work at the school.

         “I know many of the faculty. Some I know from my own kids, some were my students, and still others I know from elsewhere,” Llodra said.

         When Llodra entered NHS on November 15, she was amazed at the building’s immense expansion since the graduation of her youngest child in 1988.

         While the task of quickly learning the halls of the school is a challenge, Llodra hopes to quickly accomplish a larger feat.

         “The job of principle is one I am very familiar with," Llodra said. “What I need to work on is getting familiar with all the faculty and learning the culture of the school so I can be an effective leader.”

         Ms. Kerry Baldwin, English teacher, was impressed upon first meeting Llodra.

         "My first impression of her was that she is open, extremely warm and very professional," Baldwin said.

         Aimee Clavette, senior, has similar thoughts.

         “When she visited my child development class, she came across as being very energetic and enthusiastic,” said Clavette.

         In preparation for her new position, Llodra is striving to learn as much about the school as possible.

         “I have to fit in this school, not make the school fit me. This is my challenge,” Llodra said.

         There are several changes Llodra would like to implement during her time at NHS.

         “I think the most worrisome aspect [of the school] is the crowding in the cafeteria,” said Llodra.

         Llodra also hopes to ease the transition between eighth grade and freshman year.

         “I would like to help the school become a more personal place; make it feel like a school within a smaller town,” Llodra said.

         Aside from the mandated responsibilities of principal, Llodra wants her students to know that her door is always open.

         “I like young people and would like them to come and talk with me,” said Llodra. “I am their number one fan, always.”