Mr. Angell "Blessed To Be Part Of This District" As New Assistant Principal/Data Coordinator

Matt Angell loves being in the classroom because of the impact he can have, especially as a math teacher.

But not long ago, he did the calculations and discovered that as an administrator, the impact can grow exponentially. So in 2018, he began his studies in school administration and after stops in two other districts, he’s here in Honeoye as the new Assistant Principal and Data Coordinator.

“I’m excited to work with kids in UPK through 12th grade,” said the 2000 graduate of Palmyra-Macedon High School. “I might be working with a 4-year-old one day and a 19-year-old the next. I don’t think some people realize how special this place is. Kids here can’t fall through the cracks, there is such a good support system wrapped around them.”

Mr. Angell is thrilled to be a big part of that support and like other Honeoye administrators, he believes his best work comes while on the move. That’s why he’s not in his office all that often.

“Managed movement,” he said. “That’s a catchphrase but it’s important and I put a lot of miles on these shoes here each day. I walk in the halls during transition time and make sure I intentionally split time between elementary, middle and high school classrooms.”

And like the teacher that he is, it’s not difficult for Mr. Angell to explain why he does what he does. Sure, it’s nice to have that connection with students, but it helps when it’s time to do the not-so-pleasant part of the job.

“I think of it like having emotional bank accounts,” he said. “I try to make deposits in those accounts so it could be as simple as a fist-bump or a high-five, or sitting down at their lunch table and just talking … Then when I have to make a withdrawal, the bank account doesn’t go negative.” 

Mr. Angell attended Finger Lakes Community College and SUNY Brockport before beginning his career as a math teacher. That part of his career took him to Greece Olympia, Wayne and Bloomfield before the admin role kicked in at Young Women’s College Preparatory in Rochester. He was in Dansville the last three years as an Assistant Principal but the opportunity to work closer to his Farmington home was a temptation he could not resist. 

Throw in the challenge of being the Data Coordinator for the district and Angell is quite happy with the move. That’s why he says it’s easy to see him spending the rest of his career here.

“I woke up in this little hamlet and it’s like this tucked away little gem,” he said of Honeoye. “I feel so blessed to be part of this district.”

Mr. Angell is married with two children, son Rylan (13) and daughter Kaylee (14). The family has two dogs and when life offers down time, you can find him with his family volunteering at church. He’s also a second-degree black belt in taekwondo and enjoys hunting and fishing.