As Cluster V’s Instructional Superintendent for the 2023-2024 School Year, I am committed to helping our school leaders provide joyful and rigorous educational experiences geared toward the learning and success of all students. Communicating home about school leadership updates is critical to maintaining strong partnerships with families.

I am writing to follow up on my note last week and share that Principal Pineda’s last official day as the leader of Oyster Adams was Friday, December 15. We are grateful for his two+ years of service as principal as well as his many years as a teacher and leader within DC Public Schools (DCPS). After working with DCPS leadership to identify an interim leader, I am pleased to announce that former Oyster-Adams Assistant Principal, Peter Meliotis, will return as Interim Principal effective January 2, 2024.

Mr. Meliotis began his teaching career at Cesar Chavez Spanish Immersion School in Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS). In previous roles, Mr. Meliotis served as a math coach, testing coordinator, and resident principal in PGCPS before joining DCPS in 2014. Mr. Meliotis served as an assistant principal at Oyster-Adams for eight years before transitioning to Resident Principal at MacFarland Middle School for School Year 2023-2024. As a school leader, Mr. Meliotis prioritizes innovative instructional practices, safety, and a sense of belonging for all students and their families. Mr. Meliotis holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Coker University and a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Trinity Washington University. Most recently, Mr. Meliotis completed a professional certificate program in School Leadership and Innovation at Georgetown University.

I want to assure you that in the spring, you will have the opportunity to engage in the selection process for Oyster Adam’s permanent principal for School Year 2024-2025. DCPS coordinates the selection and appointment of principals with great care and consideration. An important part of the school's contribution will be to form a Community Panel—a committee comprising parents, teachers, and community members to provide a diverse perspective on the decision-making process. I will share more information on that process in early 2024.

It is essential that environment of both school campuses remains focused on the learning and well-being of our students; and I am confident that Mr. Meliotis’s experience and qualifications coupled with his familiarity with Oyster Adams will help ensure those efforts. If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected]. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
Eric Bethel
Instructional Superintendent, Cluster V