Our Lady Star of the Sea Regional School has a new principal who’s eager to get her hands dirty, both literally and figuratively. Ramona Bregatta is looking forward to working with the staff, teachers and students of the Atlantic City school in the classroom … as well as in the school’s raised-bed vegetable garden.
“I am very excited,” Bregatta said about the plot of land. “We have a cooperative relationship with a local farm, and mulch was just delivered. This will be a great way to experience God and all of His little miracles.”
Bregatta earned a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education and Hispanic studies from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, in 1984. She also received certification in kindergarten through eighth grade elementary teaching; a N.J. Bilingual/Bicultural Endorsement, and a Spanish Proficiency certificate. Other educational achievements include a N.J. Associate Media Specialist certificate from Rowan University, Glassboro, in 2000; a master’s degree in educational leadership from Delaware Valley College, Doylestown, Pa., in 2011, and school administration and leadership certification for both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, also from Delaware Valley College, in 2012.
Bregatta enjoyed a 31-year career in elementary education in a number of New Jersey public school systems – East Orange, the City of Camden, Cherry Hill – before her position as assistant middle school principal and district-wide director of curriculum and instruction in the Hamilton Township School System. She also worked with the Camden County Probation Department as a bilingual adult supervision officer. Following her 2022 retirement from the classroom, she served as an educational consultant with the N.J. Principals and Supervisors Association.
Reflecting upon her extensive and diverse professional accomplishments in public education, Bregatta said, “During my tenure in education, my focus has been to act with cultural competence in my interactions, decision-making and practice while also implementing a curriculum that sets high expectations for student learning and that is culturally responsive. … I look forward to bringing these passions using a faith-based approach to meet the needs of the Our Lady Star of the Sea community.”
Bregatta and her spouse of 33 years, Luis, live in Ventnor. She has three children – Kyle, 37, Carleena, 31, and Maria, 30 – and a granddaughter, Ayla.
Bregatta anticipates working with the staff to implement multi-age classrooms for the first time this year. She shared the message she would wish to impart to prospective parents who, like herself, might consider leaving a public school system and enrolling their child in a Catholic school.
“I have worked to motivate and empower teachers and staff to high levels of professional practice while promoting personal health and well-being during these most difficult recent times,” Bregatta said. “There is so much going on in the world today, so many are struggling with so many issues. Catholic education can meet your needs and lead you to become caring world citizens.”
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