Published May 15, 2019

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — A familiar face will be leading Huckleberry Hill School next year.

Superintendent Jane Tremblay last week appointed first grade teacher Melissa Wyland as Huckleberry Hill’s interim principal for the 2019-2020 school year. Wyland will succeed current Principal Brian Bemiss, who will be leaving the elementary school in June after agreeing to become the next principal of Fisher Elementary School in Walpole. Bemiss has led Huckleberry Hill for the past 10 years.

“I am very excited and honored to serve the students and families at Huckleberry Hill School along with the dedicated staff,” said Wyland in an email sent to the Villager.

In a letter sent to Huckleberry Hill families, Tremblay said Wyland’s appointment will begin on July 1.

MELISSA WYLAND

“Ms. Wyland has been a dedicated and successful educator at Huckleberry Hill School for 16 years,” stated Tremblay. “Additionally, she held the position of assistant to the principal for the past five years. In both capacities, she has proven her leadership skills in and out of the classroom. Ms. Wyland has excellent communication skills and builds strong and trusting relationships with adults and students. She understands the positive culture that has been created and nurtured at Huckleberry Hill and is committed to continuing the work.”

Tremblay noted Wyland met with the Administrative Leadership Team last week.

“The team was very impressed with her skill set and excited about the prospect of working with her,” stated Tremblay. “We are confident that Melissa will do an extraordinary job in this new role.”

Wyland said, “The inspiration for all of my work in education is my students.”

“Huckleberry Hill School has truly become a home away from home for me,” said Wyland. “I love the school, students, staff and families. Having been the assistant to the principal, I have had the great opportunity to be mentored by our exceptional outgoing principal, Brian Bemiss.  My goal is to ensure that Huckleberry Hill School continues to be a nurturing place for teaching and learning. Being named interim principal is a real honor with a lot of responsibility that I will work hard to meet.”

In a phone interview with the Villager, Tremblay said Wyland is “incredibly dedicated to the Huckleberry Hill School community.”

“Melissa has received an outpouring of support from parents and the faculty,” said Tremblay. “I think she is ready to take this next step.”

Bemiss agreed.

“I am very excited for Melissa,” said Bemiss. “She has already proven herself to be a great leader among the teachers. She has established excellent relationships with many students and families over the years. I am confident that will continue in the future.”

In a Facebook post, School Committee Vice Chairman Rich Sjoberg wished Bemiss well and congratulated Wyland on her appointment.

“As a parent, we have had the great fortune of our children starting their foundation in learning under the guidance of Brian,” Sjoberg stated. “The warm and engaging environment that is Huckleberry Hill School — for every student and staff member — is a true representation of who Brian is as an administrator. A couple of weeks ago, in speaking with the Walpole Search Committee, I let them know — just like us — they have now won the educator lottery. Our family certainly wishes Brian well and we are excited for the appointment of Ms. Melissa Wyland as the new interim principal.”

After Sjoberg posted Tremblay’s letter on Facebook, a number of parents sang Wyland’s praises.

Tremblay noted Huckleberry Hill will be hosting a welcome coffee that will introduce Wyland to parents on Friday, May 17 at 10 a.m. in the all-purpose room.

“This would be a great opportunity for you to get to know Ms. Wyland if you have not already had the pleasure of meeting her,” Tremblay stated.