Principal Matt Curci

Greeting students, slapping high fives in the halls, and jumping in on class projects are the perks of his day. Mr. Matt Curci, the acting principal at Apollo-Ridge Elementary School has plunged into the A-R excitement with a big splash. Teachers, parents, and students can't say enough to applaud the wonderful work he has done this year. Talking to Mr. Curci, however, the credit for a successful first year goes to a team effort by the whole school.

A graduate of Apollo-Ridge High School and Grove City College, Mr. Curci stepped in as acting principal in August of 2006. Before then, he had been a math teacher and coach at Apollo-Ridge High School for ten years, and is elated with the new post. He relates, "I am thrilled to be serving in this capacity, and with the opportunity to give back to my community. It's an honor to be asked to serve here."

To describe the uniqueness of Apollo Ridge Elementary, he commends the staff for a family atmosphere and the team effort of both the school and community. "What makes us successful as a staff is the fact that we all work together. Our focus is on the kids, and it's apparent in what we do." He praises the teachers for the outstanding job they do and the parents for their fantastic involvement. His words express his sincere gratitude for the support of the parents.

One program, which Mr. Curci highlights for its great success, is the Response to Intervention Program. A system of differentiated instruction, the plan reaches students with more individualized instruction in reading at an early age. Using the DIBELS tests, reading specialists identify students' strengths and weaknesses, then small group instruction can be targeted to the areas of need. Mr. Curci explains that the first through third graders do an excellent job moving to different locations for their 30 minute reading groups. This time is in addition to the core reading instruction from each classroom teacher. The program has been extremely successful, and the staff is considering a similar initiative for math.

Matt and his wife, Kristin, have been married seven years and live in Indiana. They have a two-year-old son named Dominick who keeps them very busy. "Nick is a bundle of energy," Matt says with a smile. Thankful for his wife and son he says, "I am very blessed to have both of them." Matt and Kristin are active members of Grace United Methodist Church in Indiana, volunteering their time in the nursery and with various activities.

The teachers at A-R Elementary praise Mr. Curci for the incredible positive impact he makes on both students and teachers. Mrs. Andrea Wicks, a third grade teacher, says she appreciates the team approach he uses and his ability to make you want to be a part of the team. "Mr. Curci is very approachable for students and teachers. If you need to talk to him, he gets back to you right away. He makes the effort to come see you in person, rather than calling you." In addition, she shares one of the many ways he shows his appreciation for the teachers. "At Christmas, Matt made sure we had a Christmas Luncheon. He made it happen. He also got involved with the door prizes and gave his parking place to over 10 teachers as a prize. One person won the spot for a week. … Those special things he does for us are like a shot in the arm." Mentioning his impeccable work ethic and his contagious enthusiasm, Mrs. Wicks says the teachers couldn't be more thrilled with Mr. Curci as their leader.

Along with the teachers, the parents at A-R have expressed overwhelming gratitude for their new principal. To recognize Mr. Curci for his excellent efforts, the parents honored him with the "Kids Care Award." This award is given to two staff members in the building each year and acknowledges outstanding dedication and caring service to the students. Mr. Curci mentions how moved he was to be recognized and again relates the teamwork by all of the staff.

With his ten years of experience as a coach, many leadership qualities come naturally for Mr. Curci. He encourages both faculty and students, building up a powerfully positive school environment. With happy students, teachers, and parents, Team A-R Elementary stands ready for another successful year.