MEXICO, NY – The new Mexico Middle School principal was welcomed earlier this month as Patrick Dunham officially began his role with the district.
Dunham comes to Mexico Academy & Central School District after his time as principal in the Bradford school district and an assistant principal for Watertown’s intermediate and middle school, before which he was a music instructor for grades 4-6 at Naples and grades 4-12 at Dundee.
“Everyone at MACS has been tremendously welcoming, helpful, and friendly so far,” said Dunham of his initial weeks. “Working with the adults and students in the Middle School has been everything I hoped it would be.”
Sharing his educational philosophy, Dunham said he feels that with the proper tools and supports, every student can be successful, adding he views “education as a transformative and empowering journey that should be inclusive, recognizing the unique strengths and challenges of each individual.”
In addition to his past education experience, Dunham is the commander of the 198th Army Band for the U.S. Army Reserves in which he actively serves.
Dunham grew up attending the Alexandria Central School District and received his bachelor’s in music education from West Virginia University. He then earned his master’s degree in education and instructional design at American Intercontinental University and his CAS in Educational Leadership from nearby SUNY Oswego.
Among Dunham’s top priorities as principal is safety – he knows how important it is to ensure a safe and effective learning environment for all students and staff.
“Safety is paramount,” Dunham said. “Parents entrust our school to not only provide a rigorous and meaningful education to their children, but to provide a safe physical and emotionally stable environment to them every minute of the school day.”
During the school year, Dunham lives with his wife, three kids and two dogs in neighboring Jefferson County village Chaumont. In the summers, he spends a lot of time in New Haven where his parents live and where his family owns a summer camp.
Dunham took over as principal following the retirement of Kim Holiday, who led Mexico Middle School for 17.5 years.
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