MONROE, CT — Julia Strong, an alumna of Masuk High School’s Class of 1990, will be the new principal of Jockey Hollow Middle School this fall. Strong, whose career began as a fifth grade teacher at Chalk Hill in 2002, filled a number of roles for Monroe Public Schools ever since.
Most recently, Strong served as director of the Jockey Hollow STEM academy for the last two years. A press release introducing Strong as Jockey Hollow’s new principal says she “stood out for the passion and commitment she has displayed” throughout her career.
“Julia brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role,” Superintendent of Schools Joseph Kobza said. “Her experience across all three levels will serve her well as she continues to support the academic, social and emotional needs of our middle school students.”
Strong was chosen by the Jockey Hollow Middle School Interview Committee, made up of teachers, parents, administrators and Board of Education members.
Strong had taught at Chalk Hill before transitioning to Masuk High School as a history/social studies teacher. She assumed her first leadership role as assistant principal of Masuk in 2012, a position she held until 2020, when she was tapped to lead STEM.
Throughout her administrative career, Strong also served as the chair of Fine Arts, facilitating the growth and program for students and staff in grades five through 12.
“Julia has been committed to this district for a long time,” Kobza said. “She has never shied away from a challenge. She played a pivotal leadership role as we worked through the challenges brought on by the pandemic, never losing sight of the big picture. She is a student centered leader and I’m looking forward to bringing her talents to the position of principal at Jockey Hollow.”
Strong earned her Bachelor’s degree from Trinity College, Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Eastern Connecticut State University, and Sixth Year in Educational Leadership from Sacred Heart University.
