Ms. Julianne Bello
Vice Principal - Grades: K-4
Born and raised in New Jersey, Julianne Bello is a proud graduate of Allegheny College, where she studied psychology, biology, and theater. While conducting post-baccalaureate work in art history at Rutgers, she fell in love with teaching as a substitute with the Newark Public Schools in 2001, and has never looked back. Teaching ELA, social studies, science, and then piloting a humanities curriculum at First Avenue School in the north ward, she was lucky to encounter students who confirmed her passion for teaching and learning, while collaborating with teachers and administrators who pushed her to grow. Her commitment to lifelong learning would lead to involvement in the district’s well-known teacher residency program with Montclair State University (PIE-Q/NMUTR), and provided Julianne with the opportunity to complete her MA in Administration and Supervision at, and eventually teach in,the College of Education.
Following the call to leadership in 2010 took Ms. Bello to other districts, large and small, urban and suburban; and although those experiences have shaped her style and practice, she yearned to return to Newark. Reintroducing herself to the district through her work with the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship teachers she supported in their high schools, she was excited to return directly to working with students as an NPS vice principal in 2017. She has served as the Overall Elementary Summer School Principal for two years, overseeing ten K-8 sites around the city, and values the interaction with students and teachers from all wards. In her second year at Hawkins Street School, she continues to focus her energies on improving attendance and fostering achievement for students in grades K-4, and enjoys using technology for efficient and effective workflow. She is an avid reader and traveler, and hopes to become a museum docent when she retires. In the meantime, she is slowly learning Portuguese and completing her doctorate at Rutgers in educational leadership.
Ms. Cristina DiTaranto
Vice Principal - Grades: 5-8
Cristina DiTaranto was born October 2, 1982 in Newark, NJ. She was raised by her parents in the city of Newark where she attended Lafayette St. School. She later attended Mother Seton Regional High School in Clark, NJ. Upon graduation from high school she began her journey to become an educator. She attended Kean University where she received her Baccalaureate degree in Elementary Education with a minor in History.
As she attended college she began her career in Newark Public Schools as a substitute teacher. This opportunity brought her to Hawkins St. School where she has been ever since. In May 2005 she became the 7th and 8th grade Social Studies teacher at Hawkins St. School. Throughout her career at Hawkins St. School she worked with students in second and third grade as well.
As she was teaching she began to pursue a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision. In May 2012 she graduated from Kean University and a year later she was given the opportunity to join the administrative team at Hawkins St. School. She has worked as the Vice Principal leading grades 5 through 8 ever since. She is dedicated to the Hawkins St. School community as it continues to soar to new heights.