Dear Blanchard Memorial Families,
Welcome to the 2024 school year. I will be serving as the Interim Principal this upcoming school year and I have been the Assistant Principal since 2020. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with such a dedicated group of staff, amazing students, and a supportive school community. I am very fortunate to be a part of this school and look forward to supporting our students and staff.
I spent 22 years as a teacher in both suburban and urban school districts. Recently, I finished my fourteenth year as a fifth-grade teacher at Henry C. Sanborn Elementary School in Andover, MA. Prior to coming to Andover, I had the privilege of being a classroom teacher for 2 years in the New Haven, CT public school system, and 6 years at the Foxboro Regional Charter School. Outside of school, I have led the Leader-In-Training program at Brooks School for the past 13 years and have coached 3 sub-varsity sports at the high school level. I feel strongly that my experience as a classroom teacher, camp leader, and coach has shaped my role as a future school leader. Through my classroom teaching, administrative, and coaching experience, I have established myself as a results-oriented leader who is collaborative and reflective in my practice. I thrive in an environment where collaboration and open communication serve as the foundation for informed decision-making supported by research and best practice.
On a personal note, my wife and I are both educators. Kristina is a special education teacher in Andover and we actually met in Foxboro. We have been married for 15 years and have 2 amazing daughters Ava, 14, and Anna, 11. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing sports, biking, coaching, and reading a good book.
I am passionate, energetic, and love what I do! I look forward to building relationships with each and every student, parent, and colleague at Blanchard. As we embark on a new school year, my door is always open and I will do whatever I can to see students and staff succeed. I hope to see many of you soon!
In Partnership,
Michael J. Votto