Daly Elementary School Principal Set to Retire

After enjoying seven years as principal of John J. Daly Elementary School, Elaine Ajello is scheduled to retire at the end of this week.

"This school was a family when I got here and I was happy to maintain that," Ajello said. "Everyone from parents to teachers to the custodial and clerical staff to the children had the feeling that we are all in this together. The parents were made to feel welcomed, their suggestions were listened to."

Ajello has been part of the Port Washington School District for 21 years. She began her academic career as a kindergarten teacher at Guggenheim Elementary School. She taught kindergarten for 12 years then moved on to fourth grade. After that she became assistant principal at Guggenheim Elementary School. She then became assistant principal at John Philip Sousa Elementary School, and then finally moved on to Daly.

"Being with children, seeing them grow and learn and become good citizens is what I have have loved about my career," Ajello said.

As for a replacement for Ajello, Drew Graves was appointed the elementary school's principal at the Board of Education's June meeting.

"I'm very excited about becoming a part of the Port Washington leadership team and I can't wait to get started," Graves said of his taking over for Ajello at the meeting.

Ajello said she has some important advice for Graves once he takes over.

"Have a sense of humor," Ajello said. "Enjoy every aspect of Daly school. And, of course, think of the children first."

A retirement party will be held for Ajello at John J. Daly Elementary School tonight from 6 to 10 p.m. where friends and colleagues will have a chance to bid their long-time principal goodbye.

"The journey is the adventure," Ajello said of her future plans. "I'm going to let the road take me where it's going to take me."