Yates ‘Excited’ As New Oakland Beach Principal

Yates, formerly principal at Johnston’s Windsor Hill Elementary School, a father of four daughters, is filled with excitement about the new school year.

“My biggest goal for this school year is to support our students and staff and provide all our students with the education they deserve,” said Yates.

Yates has worked as a kindergarten teacher, first grade teacher and fourth grade teacher, so he’s no stranger to the chaos and flurry of elementary school students entering school for the first days of classes.

“I am here to advocate and support each and every student and their family,” said Yates, who invites parents and students to come and talk with him whenever they need to.

With a vast experience, Yates has a good handle on the workings inside and outside of elementary school classrooms and said he strives to provide students the individualized support both academically and socially to access their education and be successful people.

A University of Rhode Island Graduate of the class of 2008 with a major in history and minor in leadership, Yates also earned an M.A. in education from the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky.

Originally from New Jersey, Yates is now a proud part of the Warwick community where he and his wife Jackie are raising their family and Yates said he is thrilled about his new position.

“Matt is definitely a part of the Warwick community,” said Patricia Cousineau, Director of Elementary Education for Warwick Public Schools. “He is invested in his school and his students and we are looking forward to his energy and enthusiasm as we move into the new school year.” 

Author: Karena Garrity

Karena Garrity, a contributing writer for WarwickPost.com, has covered local news and feature stories for several publications, including CTNewsJunkie, Connecticut Magazine, Westerly Sun Newspaper, Northeast Equestrian Life Magazine and Patch.com.