New Interim Principal Takes Over at Dutchess County High School

The start of a new school year will also mark the beginning of a new chapter at Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls, NY.

Roy C Ketcham School

Longtime Principal Says Goodbye in Wappingers Falls, NY

If you have kids who have gone through high school at Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls in the last decade or so, you know the name Dave Seipp. Seipp, the longtime Ketcham principal, has announced that his final day as principal had arrived. The "All In" Seipp shared an emotional farewell message last week with students, parents, faculty, and staff, thanking the school community for its support throughout his time as principal.

"Today is my last day as your principal," Seipp wrote. "Ketcham is a very special place to me, and I will miss you all dearly."

In his message, Seipp thanked students for making Ketcham the outstanding school it has become, praised parents for their partnership, and credited teachers and staff for their unwavering commitment to students.

"This is not goodbye. Our paths will cross again," he wrote. "Thank you for the memories, the friendships, and the opportunity to serve as your principal. I will always be proud to be part of the Ketcham family."

With Seipp's departure, the Wappingers Central School District has named Anthony Giovinazzi as Interim Principal of Roy C. Ketcham High School.

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New Principal at Roy C. Ketcham High School

In a letter introducing himself to families, Giovinazzi said he was "honored" to return to a school that has played a major role in both his personal and professional life.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, families, community and staff of the Wappingers Central School District, a community that has meant so much to me and my family," he wrote.

Giovinazzi isn't new to the district. All five of his children graduated from Roy C. Ketcham High School, and he previously spent nearly a decade as an assistant principal at both Roy C. Ketcham and John Jay High School. Most recently, Giovinazzi served as principal of Blue Mountain Middle School and also worked as acting high school principal and assistant principal in the Hendrick Hudson School District.

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He told families that his leadership has focused on supporting student success, building a positive school culture, strengthening instruction, and creating meaningful partnerships with staff and families.

"As I begin this role, I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside our talented faculty and staff while getting to know our students and families," Giovinazzi wrote. "Together, we will continue to provide every student with a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where they can thrive."

He closed his letter by thanking the Ketcham community for welcoming him back and said he's excited to begin the upcoming school year with students, families, and staff.

For Ketcham, it's the end of one era and the beginning of another, as the school prepares to welcome students back this fall under new leadership.