Swampscott High School Principal Emily Zotto has completed her first year in the role, saying she was “truly taken away and delighted” by the experience.

“In the most positive way, it’s more than I imagined,” Zotto said. “We came in with big goals for the year in terms of improving the school climate and culture, and I feel like we’re just uncovering how much excellence and how much potential our school district really has.”

Zotto stepped into the principal role last summer, after Dennis Kohut announced he would not seek to renew his contract. Zotto’s move to the high school followed three years as assistant principal of the Swampscott Middle School. It was a return to the high school for Zotto, however, as she was the director of guidance at the Swampscott High School from 2009 to 2022.

“High school obviously is different in there’s so many more courses. You got the stake of graduation on the line, getting diplomas, where kids are going. This is the final step before they leave us, so naturally that is a really big deal,” Zotto said. “In terms of managing an organization with that high level of stakes and eyes on it…the day-to-day work and the importance of relationships and supporting staff and being there for the kids are all the same.”

She joined the district after a career in sports and entertainment marketing in Colorado. Zotto moved back to the East Coast to earn a master’s degree in counseling and education from Boston University.

Zotto said her first year was about “listening, learning, celebrating all the small wins, being visible” and focusing on the priority areas of community, opportunity and excellence.

As principal, Zotto wanted to focus on the culture and community the high school offers students. She said they have “made big gains that show up in the day-to-day.”

“I get energy from coming to work. I love my job so much,” Zotto said. “My favorite part of the day is probably the beginning of the day when I get to see everyone come to school, and it really gives you a sense of where the students are at, who’s doing well, who’s not doing well. It’s such an opportunity to build relationships with the students and the families too.”

Swampscott High School formed an advisory board made up of students from each grade. They meet on the first Friday of each month and discuss ways to improve different aspects of the school. Topics have included allowing seniors an open campus during the final quarter of the school year, as well as addressing student concerns.

Zotto said the committee has allowed for the high school to receive “new ideas, adapt and grow” but also “get better as a school and as a community.”

Zotto also said she was proud of “every performance, every art show, all the athletic events.”

“I was so taken away and truly delighted by how many excellent things are happening in this building and in our town, and how much joy and pride there is already, just because of the way Swampscott is for generations and generations,” Zotto said. “And I think there’s so much to build on. I think that’s where we’re heading into next year, just building and building and building more.”

Zotto expects to see results next year from an academic faceoff with Marblehead. The competition allows for students and staff to focus on average MCAS scores and growth within the assessment areas. 

“The teachers really took it to heart and the students worked so hard during all of our assessments this year,” Zotto said. “That was a big target to hit, and we’re looking forward to seeing the scores. I feel really positive. Our students worked so incredibly hard.”

Zotto also hopes to strengthen school pride by expanding the alumni network.

“I think to capitalize on that and to bring back people into the community, so our students have an opportunity to network and get to know what it’s like to be outside of high school, working in whatever job or role that they end up in,” Zotto said. “I think it’s going to be a goal for next year.”

Next year Zotto will also introduce a new Innovation Career Pathway to provide students a hands-on learning experience in media arts and communication.

Students typically take an introductory course as freshmen and officially enroll in a pathway during their sophomore year. Students then have until graduation to complete the pathway requirements. The media arts and communication pathway will offer three tracks: cinematic arts and television; sound engineering and audio production; as well as graphic design and visual communication. Students also complete an internship or capstone project that strengthens their connection to the community.

“I’m really excited and proud that we applied for our third Innovation Pathway,” Zotto said. “We’re just really investing in these programs and these initiatives and opportunities for our students. It’s what’s going to continue to set us apart and make us competitive and more robust as a high school…It’s an enormous growth point for us.”