Head Principal

Dr. Joseph Raiola began as Principal of Bassick High School at the start of the 2018 – 2019 school year.  Prior he served as an Assistant Principal at Warren Harding High School, Department Head at Bullard Havens Technical High School and Technology Education Teacher at Shelton High School.  Dr. Raiola has a focus on student engagement, instructional rigor and college and career readiness.   Since arriving to Bassick, the school has made strides to become a top urban comprehensive high school; he continues to lead this work daily.  Dr. Raiola is dedicated to the Bridgeport community and prides himself in being accessible with his open-door policy. 

Dr. Raiola completed the Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) executive leadership program Superintendent Certification, a Ph.D. in Technology Management from Indiana State University, a Sixth year in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University, a Master of Science in Technology Education from CCSU and a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Technology from CCSU.  He became a certified teacher in 2004 after completing the State of Connecticut Alternate Route to Teacher Certification, prior to this he was employed as a Construction Project Engineer.

His research and professional interests focus on organizational change, diffusion of innovation, employment skills and competencies for STEM careers and how-to best support underrepresented populations in STEM careers.  He has served as a conference presenter for American Society of Engineering Education, Associated Schools of Construction and the June Baker Higgins conference.     

Assistant Principal - Students P-Z

 

Mrs. Katie Lynn joined Bassick High School as Assistant Principal during the 2021-2022 school year. Prior to transitioning to Bassick High School, Mrs. Lynn served as a School Counselor and Director at Stratford High School. In addition to her time in Stratford Public Schools, Mrs. Lynn was a Pupil Services Specialist for Unified School District II, Interim Dean of Students at Henry Abbott Technical High School, and School Counselor at Henry Abbott Technical High School.  

 

Mrs. Lynn believes that building relationships with students, families, and staff remains the foundation of academic achievement.  She has a focus on providing students with a safe, stimulating learning environment where students are challenged to take risks and grow. It is her goal for students to succeed in being valuable members of the increasingly changing, challenging, and diverse 21st century.

Mrs. Lynn received her undergraduate degree from Southern Connecticut State University in Psychology and immediately pursued her Master’s in School Counseling from Western Connecticut State University.  She, later on, obtained her Sixth Year in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University and is currently working towards her Ed. D. in Educational Leadership at Southern Connecticut State University.  

Dean of Students

Mr. Andre Huston is in his first year at Bassick High School as Dean of Students for the 2022-2023 school year. Prior to transitioning to Bassick High School, Mr. Huston served as the Physical Education teacher and Administrative Designee at Geraldine Claytor Magnet Academy. In addition to his time at Claytor Academy, Mr. Huston Physical Education Department Chair at Notre Dame High School in West Haven, CT. He also served as a Life Skills teacher, Anatomy and Physiology teacher and a Physical Education teacher. Prior to his time at Notre Dame, Mr. Huston was a Physical Education teacher in New Haven Public Schools for five years.

Mr. Huston believes that student and staff morale, as well as students receiving high quality instruction on a day-to-day basis will provide our students with the best opportunities to achieve Bassick’s vision of a graduate. He has a focus on providing students with a strong foundation of Social Emotional Learning and restorative practices, allowing the students time to meet and speak to ease their mind and improve their day.

Mr. Huston received his undergraduate degree from Southern Connecticut State University in Physical Education and pursued his Master’s in Sports Management from United States Sports Academy. He, later on, obtained his Sixth Year in Educational Leadership from University of New England and is currently in the enrollment process for his Doctorate in Education.

Assistant Principal -Students G-O

2022-2023 marks Mr. Sean Ward’s first year at Bassick High School, as an Assistant Principal. Prior to that, he was an Assistant Principal at Jettie S. Tisdale School, where he served as an instructional leader for grades five through eight. He also focused on the social and emotional learning and growth of students and staff. Before he became an administrator, he was a teacher at Columbus School and Six to Six Magnet School.

Mr. Ward received his undergraduate degree from The University of Lynchburg in Early Childhood Development. He earned his Master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University and his Sixth Year degree in Educational Leadership from The University of Bridgeport.

Mr. Ward believes that ALL students have the potential to be great scholars and leaders. He pledges to always go the “extra mile” to meet the needs of the students. Mr. Ward realizes the significance of teamwork and will diligently work alongside students, parents, teachers and stakeholders to ensure Bassick students are prepared to pursue career or post-secondary education opportunities after graduation.