Assistant Principal

Dear ABGS Middle School Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! It is with great excitement that I welcome both our returning families and those joining the ABGS Middle School community for the first time. I am honored to continue serving as your Assistant Principal and look forward to partnering with you as we work together to ensure every student reaches their fullest potential.

At ABGS Middle School, we believe that every student can achieve success when provided with high expectations, meaningful support, and engaging learning experiences. This year, we will continue to cultivate a safe, inclusive, and challenging environment where students are encouraged to think critically, communicate effectively, and develop into compassionate, responsible leaders.

As an International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme school, we are committed to providing students with learning experiences that promote inquiry, global awareness, collaboration, and reflection. This year, we are placing an even greater emphasis on literacy across all content areas because strong readers, writers, and communicators are empowered learners. Together, we will encourage our students to Read. Think. Lead. by strengthening literacy skills in every classroom while continuing to build mathematical reasoning, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving abilities.

We remain committed to fostering positive relationships, celebrating student success, promoting regular attendance, and creating a school culture where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to excel.

Parents and families are our most important partners in education. Your involvement plays a vital role in your child's success, and we encourage you to remain actively engaged throughout the school year by attending school events, communicating regularly with teachers, and supporting your child's academic and personal growth.

Together, we will make the 2026–2027 school year one filled with achievement, growth, and memorable experiences. Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and commitment to the ABGS Middle School community. I look forward to an outstanding year as we work together to help every student succeed.

With appreciation,

Damaris Hardial
Assistant Principal
ABGS Middle School

Welcome back to another exciting school year at ABGS Middle School!

I am honored to welcome both our returning families and those joining our ABGS community for the first time. As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, I look forward to working with our students, families, faculty, and staff to create a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where every student can succeed.

At ABGS, we believe that strong relationships, high expectations, and a commitment to excellence provide the foundation for student success. Together, we will encourage curiosity, celebrate growth, and help every student reach their fullest potential—both academically and personally.

I am excited about all that we will accomplish together this year. Let's make it a great year!

Joseph W. Thornton III

Assistant Principal

ABGS Middle School

Dr. Aaron D. Johnson is a dedicated advocate for children, education, and community empowerment who
inspires young people to dream beyond the boundaries of their neighborhoods. He champions diligence,
hard work, and focus as pathways for students to achieve their aspirations.

For over 15 years, Dr. Johnson taught Global Studies, African American Studies, and Criminal Justice at Bay
Shore Senior High School before becoming Assistant Principal at Freeport High School. An award-winning
educator and speaker, he has been widely recognized for his unwavering commitment to equity, social
justice, activism, and child advocacy. He has also served as keynote speaker at numerous commencement
ceremonies, motivating graduates and their families with his message of perseverance and possibility.

Dr. Johnson’s civic and professional contributions have been honored with a New York State Proclamation for
education and activism from the State Assembly, multiple citations from Assemblyman Philip Ramos for his
dedication to children, and recognition from Suffolk County Legislator Ricardo Montano for his outstanding
service to the community. He has also received commendation from Congressman Steve Israel for his
continuous dedication to serving others.

Academically, Dr. Johnson holds a Doctor of Education from St. John’s University and a Master of Arts in
Liberal Studies with a concentration in History from SUNY Stony Brook University. He earned dual
Bachelor’s degrees in Adolescence Education (7–12) and Social Studies from SUNY College at Old Westbury,
and in History from Southern Connecticut State University, where he attended on a full basketball athletic
scholarship.