
Welcome to Ausable Valley Middle School and the 2022/2023 school year. I am excited to share my first year as the Middle School Principal, and my third year as a school administrator, with you. I join AVCS as an educator with 16 years of teaching experience, with certifications in Reading K-12 and Elementary Education PreK-6. In 2019, I earned my Educational Leadership certificate to become a school principal. For the last two years, I was the Principal at Champlain Valley Educational Services. I look forward to partnering my skills and experiences with the solid foundation created here at Ausable Valley Central School to continue to make a difference in the lives of our students each day.
The last few years have been especially challenging for families with school-aged children. Our AVCS family has come together and supported each other through school closures, job loss, illnesses, and more. It is my expectation that this support and sense of community will continue through what we hope will be a more “normal” school year.
My number one priority is to maintain a positive, caring, engaging, and safe learning environment for all students and staff. I look forward to meeting and working with students, families, and community groups. I pride myself in building strong relationships in order to be able to make informed decisions about the education and well-being of our students. These relationships are built and strengthened by open and honest communication, trust, and a willingness to work together.
I look forward to meeting all of you and am thrilled to be a member of the AVCS school family. Please feel free to reach out in person, by telephone (518.834.2800 ext. 3708) or via email @ oconnell.nicole@avcsk12.org.

Sincerely,
Nicole A. O’Connell
Middle School Principal