Principal

"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do."Pele

Thank you for visiting the Anne M. Dorner Middle School website.

I am very proud to be the Principal at AMD.  As a way to get to know each other better, let me share a little about myself.  I began my career as a musician, performing and recording with a chamber orchestra in New York City.  Although I truly loved this experience, I decided to follow my passion, and I returned to graduate school to become a teacher.  After teaching music and theater for fifteen years, I joined the administrative team in Ossining as the Director of Cultural Arts. I am a true believer in educating the "whole child" which ensures that children learn not only reading, mathematics, science and social studies, but also the arts and athletics.  I moved into an Assistant Principal role at Anne M. Dorner Middle School where I supervised English Language Arts and Social Studies, before being named Principal of Claremont in 2013. I returned to AMD as the Principal in 2019, and I am so happy to work with middle school age students again. 

On a personal note, my husband and I have two children: a daughter in college and a son in high school.  I always try to bring my perspective as a parent to my work as an educator.

Middle School is an exciting time in a child’s educational career.  Students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of amazing teachers, who are specialists in their content, and they will collaborate with many more of their peers throughout the day. AMD is a special place that puts an emphasis on academics and the social-emotional growth of our students.  Our Positive Behavior Plan is summed up in one phrase: AMD ROCKS!  We work with students to become responsible, organized, cooperative, kind and safe.  Please know that there are many levels of support for students, such as our grade level Assistant Principals, Support Staff (Guidance Counselors, School Psychologists, Social Workers), Teachers, and Office Staff, in addition to myself.  

I value the Home-School Connection and vow to work in partnership with our families.  There are two very important ways to receive communication about your child’s life at AMD: OBLASTS and Parent Portal.  I will be sending a weekly newsletter by oblast throughout the school year, and this newsletter will provide updates on our curriculum, upcoming events and photos of our school community.  

Be sure to sign up for Oblasts by visiting the website:  www.ossiningufsd.org.   Families will receive information about the Parent Portal, where you can view your child’s grades and attendance.  If you need help accessing the Parent Portal please call the Main Office. Please know that I can be reached via email: kmathews@ossiningufsd.org or phone (914) 762-5740, ext 3302. 

Warmest wishes, 

Kate Mathews

Pride in all that we are