By Alaiya Pagani ’26
Change is in the air at The Frederick Gunn School! Not just with students, but also faculty leadership positions. Student Life Leadership will never be the same with everyone’s favorite Glastonbury native taking her talents to the Dean of Students Office.
After over a decade in academics, Amy Paulekas has stepped away from the textbooks and has stepped into a bigger role: the complicated minds of today’s adolescents. Ms. Paulekas’ has always been fueled by connections with students beyond the classroom. She has become Gunn students’ greatest supporter in all aspects of their lives on campus. Meanwhile, Ashley LeBlanc, the former Dean of Students, has stepped into a new role as Director of Student Life and Wellness. This shift is more towards a broader role of focusing on the bigger picture of wellness around campus and focusing on a holistic approach towards student support.
Timing is everything within change, and Ms. Paulekas stated that it “simply felt like the right time to try something new.” The timing lined up perfectly for both Ms. LeBlanc and Ms. Paulekas to try something new and step into roles allowing them to work together to create a dynamic, innovative office. Their collaborative work on the Student Success Team has strengthened student wellness and support, and it was a – brainer teaming them up in DOS.
So what does this look like for us students? DOS is not something to be scared of. Many students may receive an email for a meeting but DOS is not there to get students in trouble. With Mrs. Leblanc’s new role, student life and wellness is her top priority to be able to ensure that every student is offered the support needed and wanted.
Ms. Paulekas stated that being in DOS is a learning curve and that they are still figuring out whose role is who but that she loves working with Mr. Gorman and Mr. Perkins. She highlighted how good their communication is and how they are setting some goals for the school year. The student body is excited to work with Ms. Paulekas in her new role!
