New School Year, New Faces at WPS: Belastock Begins as Principal at WHS

When Winthrop High School students arrive for opening day Friday, there will be a new administrative team welcoming them.

Eileen Belastock is the new principal, succeeding Gail Conlon who stepped down at the end of the school year. Superintendent of Schools John Macero announced  the appointment of Belastock in April.

Matt Crombie is the new assistant principal, succeeding Robin Kostegan, who also retired at the end of the school year.

Belastock grew up in nearby Charlestown and attended Pope John XXIII High School in Everett, graduating in 1978. She was a Pope John classmate of Winthrop Town Councilor James Letterie.

“I grew up in Charlestown so it feels nice to be back in this area,” said Belastock.

Belastock holds an undergraduate degree in Accounting from Suffolk University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Bridgewater State University.

Belastock worked previously as an assistant principal at King Philip High School in Wrentham and head of the math department at Franklin High School.

Belastock said she met the incoming WHS freshman class during an orientation program and the members of the student council.

“I also addressed the players on the football team,” said Belastock. “I’m excited about Friday when all the students will be in the building.”

Belastock said she hopes to create “a positive, friendly and open climate” at the high school.

“I’m trying to give the students a little more flexibility, having them act as young adults,” she said. “We’re changing our cell phone policy and expecting them to be responsible in their use of cell phones. We’ll be allowing students to use them between classes while passing through the corridors and in the cafeteria for texting purposes only.”

Belastock said she’s familiar with the outstanding sports tradition at Winthrop High and hopes to attend athletic events.

“I hope to attend as many sports and school activities as possible,” said Belastock, who has two children, a son who is a graduate of UMass/Amherst, and a daughter, who is a sophomore at UMass/Lowell. “I will be at the first football game at Saugus. I have a lot of relatives in Saugus but I’ll be rooting for the Vikings.”

Belastock said she is pleased to have Crombie on her leadership team at the high school.

“Matt will be invaluable to me,” said Belastock. “Matt grew up in town and was a special education teacher here. He was a very good choice for this key position. He knows the kids, the climate, and the town. He is well trained for this position. The kids are going to really like having him as their assistant principal.”