Any teacher will tell you that teaching is difficult at times but the reason they still do it is to work with new kids every day and for many including Nicole LaPerriere it’s their passion.

LaPerriere has been working with kids for many years and recently made the decision the further her technical career and take the new role as assistant principal at Pine Grove.

Growing up, LaPerriere knew she wanted to be a teacher.

“ I probably decided I wanted to be a teacher I would say, when I was in high school.”

She went to college to be a teacher and got her Bachelor’s degree at Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire and her Masters Degree through Capella University in Michigan.

LaPerriere wanted to further her career to have a role where she could have leadership after teaching for many years.

“I taught at Pine Grove for 8 years and was a teacher in New Hampshire for 15 prior to that.”

Christine Kneeland, the principal at Pine Grove had a conversation with her about becoming the new assistant principal before receiving the job.

“It kind of developed from a conversation between the two of us, and I just knew I was ready for a different leadership role where I could work with all of the students. I have such a passion for developing relationships with students and working with students. I guess I was just ready to try something different.”

Aside from working at Pine Grove, LaPerriere has a husband and four kids. She has many hobbies including golfing, hiking, and travelling.

Katie Blouin, a former student at Pine Grove, showed us exactly how LaPerriere’s passion for working with her students is shown through her caring and kindness towards them.

“She was always a role model for us. We could always count on her to be there for us and we could talk to her about anything” said Blouin.

“One time in 6th grade we were setting up for a student council assembly and somebody told me to grab some chairs. I ran to get some and I slipped on a puddle of water. I ended up falling and smashing my face off of the floor, and I broke my two front teeth. Mrs. LaPerriere was very kind and she took me to the nurse and stayed there with me until my dad came to make sure that I was okay.”

Lisa Manganello, a fellow colleague of LaPerriere, describes her as, “So vibrant, social, she’s always in a good mood. There’s always a big smile on her face. She always connects with her students socially and emotionally. “

Since becoming the assistant principal, LaPerriere is really enjoying her new job position. Being able to interact with every student and staff member and build relationships with them is the one thing she loves the most about being the assistant principal.

“It is very fun and rewarding. I love seeing the kids smile and I love building a relationship with them where you know you make a difference. We want this to be a safe place where kids can come to school, learn and also love coming” said LaPerriere.

It’s safe to say that being the brand new assistant principal at Pine Grove has been going very well for Mrs. LaPerriere. “She’s doing a wonderful job, she seems so confident. It’s like she’s been vice principal for years” said Manganello.