Barca Settles in Nicely as Stall Brook School’s Principal

By KEN HAMWEY,
 Bulletin Staff Writer

Shannon Barca has been Bellingham’s principal at Stall Brook Elementary School for only four months. The veteran educator has not only adapted to her new position quickly, but she also has displayed lots of passion for this important role.

The 47-year-old Barca arrived at Stall Brook after 10 years in administrative positions at the Parmenter School in Franklin — four as assistant principal and six as principal. Previously, Barca worked in Westboro for 13 years as a sixth-grade teacher, and for 12 of those years she was a team leader, deeply involved in decision-making.

“At Westboro, there was a sense of community, and Ifelt embedded there,’’ Barca said. “As a team leader, it gave me confidence to be a leader in education, and I knew I wanted a role in administration.’’

Before teaching in Westboro, the personable Barca began her career as a student-teacher in New York City, then spent a year as a para-educator in Wellesley and a year as a fourth-grade teacher in Sturbridge. The native of Oxford earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and psychology at Wagner College in New York and has her masters in elementary education from Framingham State University.

After 26 years as an educator, Barca has developed a variety of strengths.

“As an instructional leader, I’m able to provide meaningful feedback,’’ she said. “I also am objective, able to consider multiple perspectives and opinions. I love children and I’m eager to help them and see them grow. And, I always ground my decisions in what is in the best interests of students.’’

Leaving the Parmenter School after 10 years in administration wasn’t an easy decision for Barca, who’s married and has two children.

“I felt good about building a sound culture that focused on the social-emotional learning practices,’’ she said. “I’m proud of the academic work we achieved and the authentic learning experiences we provided. The school became a well-oiled machine. But, for me to continue to develop and grow in my last stages of education, I knew I needed a new environment.’’

Peter Marano, who’s in his ninth year as Bellingham’s School Superintendent, is delighted with the way Barca approaches her role.

“Mrs. Barca bring experience, dedication and a strong commitment to education excellence,’’ he emphasized. “Her leadership will significantly benefit our students and staff and I look forward to working together to continue fostering a positive and enriching learning environment at Stall Brook.’’

Barca has settled in nicely at Stall Brook, a school whose faculty and staff numbers 70. The school is 50 years old and currently has 221 students in grades K-3. The new principal’s prime goal in her first year is to promote the school’s core values.

“I want our core values to serve as a foundation to build intrinsic motivation for both students and staff to take risks in a safe learning environment,’’ she said. “Our core values are to be hard-working, to be cooperative, to be respectful, to be kind and to be inclusive. My job is to create opportunities for students to be able to authentically demonstrate these values.’’

Barca is acutely aware that it’s teachers who make a school respected and welcoming, and she’s thankful for the faculty she’s inherited.

“They are so devoted and dedicated,’’ she said. “They’re an appreciative group that makes working so enjoyable. They’re a big reason why I love my role at the school.’’

Barca doesn’t mind the tedious task of annual budget responsibilities. “It helps align the priorities of our school and the district’s needs,’’ she said. And, fully mindful that education evolves, Barca says “it’s important to realize that we wear many hats and must accomplish numerous tasks on a daily basis. At times, we can be spread too thin among the many tasks and responsibilities, but the key is to prioritize the issues.’’

Successful principals are often those who get into the classrooms and get to know their students. One of Barca’s favorite times is having fun with her students. “I love spirit days and school mascot days,’’ she noted. “Having fun and interacting with kids are very enjoyable moments.’’

In her brief time as Stall Brook’s principal, Barca has a high regard for Bellingham’s school system. “The administrators and teachers are extremely supportive and motivating,’’ she said. “And, the students show resilience and great personalities.’’

Barca, who graduated from Oxford High School where she competed in track, cross-country and cheerleading, was also a National Honor Society student. Long before graduating, she knew exactly what profession she would pursue.

“I knew I wanted to be a teacher,’’ she said. “My mom taught second grade for 30-plus years, and I often helped her set up her classroom for the year ahead. My dad also was an influence. He was a school psychologist, and that helped emphasize the need to advocate for students and families.’’

Shannon Barca is comfortable in her role as principal at Stall Brook. But, she’s also pro-active, energetic and ready to roll up her sleeves to tackle a challenge.