After nearly 13 years spent at the high school, Principal Nuzzo-Mueller will retire from her position as principal June 30, 2012. The Scituate School Committee will soon begin the process of finding a replacement for the position, and students can expect to see a new leader at SHS come next fall.
     The decision came as surprise to many in the school community, but as Principal Nuzzo-Mueller said, “Because I began the profession at a younger age, I am what most would probably consider on the younger side for retirement, but I’m certainly within the range of when people do retire. So, basically, I’m older than I look.” Laughs ensued, but  she continued,  “I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to lead the school in significant changes … The very nice part for me, which not every leader has this opportunity, is that I get to see a vision come to fruition.”
     Principal Nuzzo-Mueller’s security in leaving the building comes as a result of strong affirmation from the school community, which she considers essential to leadership and development in education.  She has seen students use their talents to tackle an array of academic accomplishments, of which she feels particularly proud. Not only was Principal Nuzzo-Mueller able to lead the school to NEASC accreditation (New England Association of Schools and Colleges), but also she feels fortunate to have seen the students develop what she calls an “academic prowess.”
     As for the timing of her retirement, the principal said “I can really look at it and be very grateful and very proud, and I feel very fortunate.” This, along with Superintendent Dr. Martin’s retirement announcement, brings many changes to the district as a whole. Principal Nuzzo-Mueller told us that the next principal at SHS would ideally work with what she referred to as “teacher-leaders” who have spearheaded a movement to more closely involve technology in the classroom.
     Science Department Head Ms. Dakin said of Principal Nuzzo-Mueller “She has a knack of finding people’s strengths. She invites and challenges you as a faculty member for the betterment of the community.” Principal Nuzzo-Mueller entered into a culture at SHS that Ms. Dakin said “was not respectful of themselves, the staff, or the community.” But as Ms. Dakin has seen over the years, “She has not wavered from her mission  It is not the same building, culture, or community as it was ten years ago because of her.”
    Principal Nuzzo-Mueller said that over her 13 years she has seen the student culture change and develop, and that “there won’t ever be anything like having the bustle of a high school filled with teenagers.” Thinking about the coming changes, she said “I can’t walk up a stairwell without thinking about how I’m going to do without all this energy in my life, because I do love it.” Departure from SHS comes with mixed feelings. “I will miss mostly the students and the staff,” she said, “and that will be a hole in my life, that over time I’ll have to find ways to satisfy.”
    Principal Nuzzo-Mueller, who has worked as a teacher, guidance counselor, and administrator, does not intend to let her retirement stop her involvement with the field of education. She can see herself working as a teacher-mentor in an educational leadership program, or working with at-risk students and families, all areas in which she has experience. “But nothing as many hours as this!” she said. Her typical work day ranges from 11-12 hours, with some days extending to 13-14 hours, an arrangement in which Ms. Nuzzo said “I practically live here.”