Ashley Cruz-Powell joins administrative team as elementary assistant principal

From her teenage years in the Bronx, Ashley Cruz-Powell recognized her passion for working with children. Having enjoyed playing with her cousins as a child and later babysitting, she was naturally drawn to a career involving children.

“It’s the source of my joy,” Mrs. Cruz-Powell stated regarding her work with young children. 

Mrs. Cruz-Powell is a veteran teacher having worked in New York City for six years before making her transition into Westchester County. Prior to becoming an Assistant Principal at Carl L. Dixson Primary School and Alice E. Grady Elementary School Mrs. Cruz-Powell was a 1st Grade teacher at Carl L. Dixson Primary School for three years. During her time as an educator, she worked in Self-Contained classrooms, ICT classrooms, General Education classrooms, and ENL classrooms. Last year, she transitioned into a leadership role as she became the district's CSE/CPSE Chairperson while continuing to teach 1st grade. This summer, Mrs. Cruz-Powell joined the administrative team as the new Assistant Principal at the
Carl L. Dixson Primary School/Alice E. Grady Elementary School.

“I have come to know the students through fourth grade, and it's rewarding to continue to connect with them and their families,” she remarked about her experience at Grady, reflecting on her initial interactions with them as students at Dixson.

“I love this community,” she said of Elmsford. “I love the diversity. I was raised in the Bronx, and it’s great to be part of a community that looks like me,” she explained referring to her Hispanic heritage and student demographics.

“The teachers are eager to be the best versions of themselves for their students,” she continued.

In her new role, Mrs. Cruz-Powell said she will be in a supportive role where she will provide a combination of administrative, instructional, disciplinary and academic support to her colleagues, the students, and their families.

“I want to be the best I can be for the students, families, teachers, Dr. Hamilton and Ms. Grixti,” she said, referencing the two principals she will be working with.

“I am committed to supporting teachers and want them to know they can rely on me” she added.

With the school year being still new, Mrs. Cruz-Powell is getting settled in and hopes to eventually develop a schedule where she will divide her time between the two school buildings she oversees. Her office is at Grady, and she plans to visit Dixson as often as she can.

Mrs. Cruz-Powell said her personal attributes, including being an empathetic person, will serve her well in her new role.

“It is important the Elmsford community know that I am excited to continue to be part of this community,” she said. “I want to help my students be the best people they can be academically, socially, and emotionally. My hopes are to be here a long time.”