When the new school year begins in September, Stimson Middle School students will see two new faces on the administrative team: assistant principals Ms. Tracey Zito and Ms. Shalli Lynch. Both administrators began work on July 1st.

Drawing on decades of classroom experience, both now step into expanded leadership roles. Ms. Zito becomes Main Office Assistant Principal, filling the vacancy left by Elizabeth Keating in June. Ms. Lynch assumes the 7th Grade AP role, replacing Mr. James Tomeo, who moves to 8th Grade AP after Mr. Thomas DeMartinis accepted an AP position at Walt Whitman High School.

Ms. Zito joins South Huntington from the Bethpage School District, where she spent 13 years teaching English as a New Language (ENL) at both the elementary and secondary levels. Her background includes advanced certifications in Educational Administration, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), Literacy, and Childhood Education. She earned a Master of Science in TESOL from Molloy University and a Master of Science in Educational Administration & Supervision from Mercy College. A lifelong Long Islander, Ms. Zito resides in Greenlawn with her husband and three daughters.

An educator since 2005, Ms. Lynch brings two decades of middle school Special Education experience to her new role. After spending her first year teaching in Hawaii, she returned home to Long Island and taught in the South Country School District starting in 2008. She holds certifications in Childhood Education, Special Education, and Administration, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Child Study from St. Joseph’s College and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University. Ms. Lynch lives in Bayport with her two sons and their labradoodle, Yogi.

We spoke with both educators about joining the South Huntington family. The answers have been edited for length and clarity.

Q&A 

Did you always know you wanted to work in education and with children?
Ms. Zito: "I used to play school when I was younger with my cousins, stuffed animals, or anyone who would listen. I had a little whiteboard and would set up math lessons. I had such a positive experience in school with my teachers growing up—school was always a fun, happy place for me. When I hear about students who don't enjoy school, I'm always surprised because I loved reading and learning. Because I had such a great experience, I wanted to help students and families have that same positive feeling."
Ms. Lynch: "It was never even a question. I’ve truly known that I wanted to be a teacher since I was about four years old. Teaching was always the goal. I would line up my dolls, and then my sister and my brother. There is this innate thing about being around people that you get to bring joy to. As a special education teacher, most of my students had gaps of some kind. Every single day was almost like a giant puzzle to find out what they needed to make their learning fun. Because they struggled, they sometimes hadn't figured out that school can be fun. My bigger picture has always been bringing laughter and fun into school."

Why did you make the choice to transition from the classroom to an administrative position?
Ms. Zito: "As an ENL teacher in one building, my reach was limited to a specific caseload. In an administrative role, I can make a broader impact on a building level—supporting more teachers, students, and families. Given South Huntington's population and needs, I felt my background in ENL would be a great fit to advocate for students and families facing similar challenges to those I've worked with throughout my career. In my previous district, ENL numbers were lower, and I was often the only ENL teacher in the building, which could feel isolating. I felt my experience would be better utilized in a district with a higher population of ENL students, where support programs are already established and prioritized rather than needing constant justification. Additionally, I want to help prepare 7th and 8th graders academically and socially so the transition to high school isn't a shock to them."
Ms. Lynch: "It was a very challenging decision to make, and I went back and forth. I've had my certification for just over two years. It was genuinely the leaders I was lucky enough to have in my previous district, through special education and restorative practice, who pushed me. They said that I could be doing so much more. At the end of the day, I really wanted to be able to do more, see more, and bring more joy to more students, teachers, and every single person I come in contact with. Middle school has been my entire career. It is such a challenging age. It’s the bridge between childhood and adolescence, pushing them on to bigger and better things. They still need this huge cheering squad, even if they think that they're too cool for one."

What do you love most about the South Huntington School District community?
Ms. Zito: "Looking at the district's social media and community messaging, I saw how warm, inclusive, and welcoming the environment is. It completely aligned with my educational philosophy and values. I want to learn the school culture, get to know everyone, and bring positive energy. Even in my short time here, it already feels like home."
Ms. Lynch: "What drew me here was that there are so many leaders and perspectives. In looking for a new position, I wanted to be able to bounce ideas off of people, asking, 'Have you ever tried this?' or 'Do you know anybody who's done this in a different district?' I loved the fact that there would be a full team of people to learn from here. I nosedived into the website and social media and saw the food pantry and all of the community activities going on consistently across every single building. There's so much cultural diversity and warmth. It doesn't matter if you don't speak the same language; everyone is here working together."

What would you like your new students and their families to know about you?
Ms. Zito: "I want them to know that I am dedicated, passionate, and always approachable. I am here to support them, offer guidance, and be someone they can rely on."
Ms. Lynch: "I'm just so excited and grateful to be here. My philosophy of bringing joy and excitement into the classroom is the exact same energy I want to bring to Stimson’s hallways and all our activities. My office door will always be open if you have questions, concerns, or ideas. I want everyone to know I'm a team player. Middle school is an awkward age, and kids need to know they have their own personal cheering squad. I'm thankful to be a part of that squad."

Please join us in wishing Ms. Zito and Ms. Lynch the very best in the new school year!