DeMello Elementary Principal Cathy Maccini will bid farewell to the school she’s spent 26 years with come June.

Maccini began her tenure at DeMello in 1986, and started as its principal in 2005. However, her last day is set for June 30, which will be followed by retirement.

“I’m going to miss the children and their hugs, their fun stories, their jokes,” Maccini said. “It’s been an honor to have lead DeMello for the last 12 years.”

From a young age, Maccini knew she wanted to work in education. Throughout her New Bedford upbringing, she was always surrounded by children.

“When I was growing up, I worked as a swim instructor, lifeguard, and at a daycare center through college,” Maccini said. “I just knew I always wanted to be a teacher.”

Maccini’s education career started in Texas. She worked four years in special education in the Lone Star State before deciding to return to her South Coast roots. She accepted a position as a third and fourth grade teacher at DeMello School in 1986.

In 2000, she left Dartmouth for a brief period to gain administrative experience at two schools in Plymouth, and returned to DeMello as principal in 2005.

Throughout her tenure at DeMello, Maccini made it her mission to enhance the student learning experience with hands-on activities, special events, and parent-student involvement. She’s created new traditions for students, like the end-of-year wave goodbye, and connected the community after hours with literacy nights, parent workshops, a career week, and a parent dinner.

“They are different ways we make learning fun, interesting, and applicable to real life,” Maccini said.

One of her most memorable events was a school-wide mock restaurant. Students developed menus and hosted a luncheon, while learning about fractions, math, and cooking.

“That was a particularly special project we did. When I run into former students, they remind me of that,” Maccini said.

Maccini has seen gradual and sudden shifts in the educational landscape over her 30-year teaching career. She was one of the first teachers to use a new computer lab at DeMello, which at the time was located in a tiny room. She originally taught her students how to use email and the Internet, but now students have access to Chromebooks, iPads, larger computer labs, and smartphones. Teachers now incorporate technology into their lesson plans and curriculums, she said.

Other changes include more hands-on teaching and more student engagement, as well as changing curriculum and standardized testing practices.

Maccini plans to enjoy a summer off, and hopes to connect with the community through volunteer work. Her retirement will allow her to spend more time with her family, including her 11-year-old daughter Grace, her husband, and her father.