Building a Bilingual School Culture

In this episode of the Linking Leaders PodCASt, we sit down with Diurca Lugo-Tomasella, the 2026 Connecticut Elementary School Principal of the Year, to unpack how she has built a dual language school where identity, biliteracy, and high expectations live side by side. We talk culture systems, family partnership, teacher leadership, and the habits that help principals carry the weight of the work without carrying it alone.

Transcript

Welcome And Guest Introduction

Speaker 0:03

Hi, and welcome to the Linking Leaders Podcast. Linking Leaders Podcast features candid conversations with top educational leaders who come together to share experiences and explore pathways to success. In each episode, we engage with dynamic leaders to uncover real-life stories, practical strategies, and bold insights on timely and relevant topics. Listen up to Link Up and let us help you expand your network of innovation and support.

Speaker 1 0:37

Hello, listeners. Welcome to the Linking Leaders Podcast. This is your host, Dr. Alicia Bowman, and today I'm privileged to chat with our recently named 2026 Connecticut Association of Schools Elementary Principal of the Year, Diurca Lugo Tomasella. Diurca is the founding principal of Roberto Clemente International Dual Language School in Waterbury, Connecticut. Without a doubt, 2026 has been a big year for Diurca and RCI DLS. She was also the recipient of the 2026 Exceptional Principal Award by the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, or CALUS. Today I'm excited to uncover Dee's award-winning leadership, including her beliefs, lessons learned, and lived experiences, and share this inside look with school leaders across Connecticut and beyond. Diurca, thank you so much for joining me on the Linking Leaders podcast. Let's dive

A Dual Language School Vision

Speaker 1 1:40

in. So can you paint a picture of the Roberto Clemente International Dual Language School Community? Who you serve, what matters most there, and what makes your leadership context unique?

Speaker 2 1:54

So we serve a diverse community of multilingual learners. And what matters most is really ensuring that students develop by literacy, high academic achievement, and a strong sense of identity. So as the founding principal, I think I was very fortunate and had the unique opportunity to build a vision from the ground up that really was rooted in this. And I created systems rooted in equity, access, and pride in culture and language. And for me, I think it's just very exciting to see students grow into confident bilingual leaders who understand the power of their voice and their identity.

Speaker 1 2:38

Yeah, I can imagine that having this opportunity felt like an awesome privilege, yet probably a very daunting task. Yet, you know, to be able to be the founding principal of a school and then a school in a community where you were born and raised nonetheless? No, very well, yes. Yes, no, very well. And then be the leader of the first dual lingual school. That's amazing.

Building Culture On Purpose

Speaker 1 3:04

So Roberto Clemente is known for its exceptional school culture. You just mentioned that. As a school leader, what strategies have you intentionally used to develop that right school culture? And how do you measure the success?

Speaker 2 3:17

I have to say, culture doesn't happen by accident. It's really something that we have been very intentional about since the very beginning, because a strong school culture must be intentionally built and consistently nurtured. I have to say that we grounded our work and obviously that that vision that I talked about belonging, high expectations, and by literacy, but we also infused these seven habits of highly effective people. We also look at the way we speak to students and the way we celebrate culture is important. We also, one of the things that we consistently do is that we explicitly teach expectations to our students. We also elevate a student voice and we celebrate leadership as much as we can. And leadership is a big piece at our school. We measure that success through engagement, behavior trends. We look at attendance. We have one of the lowest attendance rates in the district. And I and I truly feel it's because you know it's a happy place. People want to come. And I have to say, that's just not students, also includes my staff. They come into work, they're proud of the work that they do because I truly believe when people feel good in a space that learning is going to follow.

Speaker 1 4:32

Yes, I completely agree. And especially with your sentiment that it doesn't happen by accident. And that's why I asked you the question. It is intentional and it starts with the leader.

Seven Habits As Daily Practice

Speaker 1 4:43

So you mentioned that you infuse the habits of the seven habits of highly effective people. So when I say things like be proactive, begin with the end in mind, and think win-win, what do these concepts mean to you? And even more importantly, what do they mean to your students and staff?

Speaker 2 5:01

So the seven habits really are life skills. Um, they really are something that we love to teach because we want to ensure that they're successful in life. They empower our students to take ownership of their actions and, you know, in their future. So to me and to our students, to be proactive means our students take responsibility. Begin with the end in mind means they understand their goals. And thinking win-win teaches collaboration and empathy. We want everyone to win. It's just not one-winner. So we work as a group. These are not just, like I say, posters or things on a wall that we have because you'll see them around the school. They're embedded in daily instruction, conversations, and decision making. The vocabulary that we use through the seven habits is very important, and we try to infuse that whenever possible. So it's really incredible to see, you know, how they develop those habits. And now that we're in year three, going into year three, students are very much using that vocabulary and discussion. So that's impressive for me.

Speaker 1 6:08

That's awesome. One of my sons read that book in I think the fourth grade, and he'll still say things like, I think I'm gonna be proactive and get ready for tomorrow. And it's true, those are things that will carry you through life. And just that leadership development and that student ownership is amazing.

Families As True School Partners

Speaker 1 6:25

So, Diurca, in your application for elementary principal of the year, you highlight a core leadership belief. You say strong schools are built on strong relationships. And we've heard this in some of your responses already. But one group we haven't talked much about are families. And when it comes to families, can you share with our listeners maybe two or three ways you've successfully built authentic relationships and collaborations with the families of Waterbury?

Speaker 2 6:51

Well, really, families are our partners. These relationships are essential for student success. We've built trust by creating bilingual communication. We have that um readily available. We host many family engagement events that celebrate culture and also ensuring that families are a part of the decision-making process. We meet families where they are and make the school a welcoming place. So when I talk about hosting family events, we do quite a few. Again, celebrating bilingualism. For example, we host bilingual plays and we showcase students are able to showcase their skills. Parents love to come in to see that. We also do a family roots day, and that we actually have the parents come in and they're teaching us about their culture and traditions to our students and staff. So I feel like by honoring their culture, that makes them feel comfortable and that helps a great deal. As far as the decision making, they've always been a part of our decision making from the very beginning when we opened in 2021 with our steering committee or what some schools call it the School Governance Council. They're very much a part, and what they're responsible for was creating that shared vision for the school and helping to bring that vision to life by collaborating and building consensus.

Speaker 1 8:18

Yeah, I hear it. Shared decision making and really creating that sense of belonging for our families, just like we are doing for our students. Imagine

Empowering Teachers To Lead

Speaker 1 8:40

that we have an early career principal listening to this episode. What advice would you give that leader about investing in educator growth and empowerment?

Speaker 2 8:52

I just think that they have to understand that strong schools grow strong leaders, building capacity. I feel it's our responsibility. I know that I intentionally create opportunities for teachers to lead. And that could be whether through you know professional development, coaching roles, or collaborative teams. I do like monthly committee meetings and they're responsible for facilitating that and making decisions. I believe in investing in their growth and giving them voice in the school decisions. I think most recently I've been super proud because you know, we're a young school, year five. Um, I have a lot of beginning teachers. So recently I had like a year two, year three teacher after lots of training on dual language and biliteracy strategies. They led professional development within the school. They also led it within Waterbury. And most recently this year, they presented nationally at La Cosetia Conference in New Mexico. They also, I have another group recently accepted to present at a dual language conference in California. So I'm just so impressed by them. And it just brings such a huge smile to my face when I see that they're proud of the work that they're doing and they want to share that.

Speaker 1 10:09

That's amazing. All

Approachability And Modeling Work

Speaker 1 10:11

right. So, Diurca, what's something about you as a principal that people tend to experience quickly when they work with you? Besides the fact that you have awesome nails. Yeah.

Speaker 2 10:24

Uh, let's see. I think that I think most people would say I'm very approachable. I think I'm I'm trustworthy, I'm very visible within the building. I have a strong work ethic. And I've been told that by my teachers. But I think it's very important to model what you expect. And so, you know, teachers have told me I'll be one of the very first in the building, one of the last to leave every day. And I think that I've been told that it just encourages them, right? Because they see how hard I'm working. And really, I'm proud of the work that I'm doing. So I think they would say I have a very strong work ethic and that I'm um very much approachable and trustworthy.

Speaker 1 11:04

So, speaking about that work ethic and just, you know, principles carry a lot, right? For students, for staff, for family, like the system as a whole.

Self-Care And Sharing The Load

Speaker 1 11:13

So, how do you manage that emotional weight? And what does taking care of yourself look like in this role?

Speaker 2 11:20

Yes. Um, I do remind myself that I don't have to carry it alone. Um, that I do lean on my team and make sure to pause and reflect. That's why going back to building those capacity, I do live in them. I know I can't do this work alone. We cannot pour into others if we don't take good care of ourselves. Which reminds me what this morning I was uh reminding students, as I said, I record myself on Monday, so welcome them back. Our habit of the month is sharpen the saw. So my question is how are you going to sharpen your saw this week? And so again, it's something that you know you have to uh model, and that's the way I lead. I think it's taking time to reflect, exercise, taking that time because that's the only way that I'll be able to show up for staff and students.

A Bold K-12 Global Pathway

Speaker 1 12:13

So let's just dream for a second. If you were given an innovation grant with no restrictions, what bold idea or initiative would you launch for Roberto Clemente?

Speaker 2 12:24

So no restrictions?

Speaker 1 12:26

No, this is dreaming.

Speaker 2 12:28

Ah, okay. So then in that case, honestly, I think I would invest in expanding the dual language programming with global partnerships, immersive type cultural experiences. So really building that comprehensive K to 12 dual language, like a pathway. Yes. As you said, no restrictions. So I have I definitely imagine students who began their journey in our you know, our dual language program traveling abroad, applying their language skills authentically, and seeing themselves as global citizens. So that full circle moment from kindergarten to graduation is the kind of transformative opportunity I would want for every student. I think it's just an uncredible experience for them, right?

Speaker 1 13:26

Applying all that. Amazing, amazing. That might be one of the best I've heard yet. You said no restrictions. I did, I did. All right, Diurca.

Ignite Round Leadership Snapshot

Speaker 1 13:38

Are you ready? We're gonna pick up the pace a little. So it's time for our ignite round. So these are quick instinctive responses designed to give listeners a snapshot of your leadership style and your personality. Okay, so no overthinking. You're just gonna jump in. You ready?

Speaker 2 13:52

Here we go. I'm ready.

Speaker 1 13:55

Coffee, tea, or I forgot to drink anything today.

Speaker 2 13:59

Coffee.

Speaker 1 14:00

Coffee, leadership in one emoji. Thumbs up. A phrase I say so often, my staff could mimic it is um all or nothing, all or nothing. High heels, sneakers, or flats. I gotta be comfortable. All right, the app I use most as a principal.

Speaker 2 14:30

The app I use most as a principal, Gemini.

Speaker 1 14:34

Okay, a song that perfectly captures the principal role some days.

Speaker 2 14:42

Oh, a song. Don't worry, be happy. Don't worry. Or be happy, that's a song from yeah, I used to play the happy song.

Speaker 1 14:56

That's great. The leadership skill I'm intentionally working on right now.

Speaker 2 15:03

Um I I would say leading by example, and so that's something that I try to instill in a lot of teachers that are in my building. I have a lot of teachers that are really looking into leadership, and so again, that's something that I like to focus on.

Speaker 1 15:20

That's awesome. A book, podcast, or resource I always recommend.

Speaker 2 15:27

I just got leader's algorithm, like that I just by Pablo Muñoz. So I started to read, and that seemed very interesting to me. So uh I haven't finished it, but it it just seems like a really good read already.

Speaker 1 15:39

I haven't heard that one. I I'm gonna add it to my list. Leader algorithm. Yeah, by Pablo Muñoz. Thank you. My preferred way to recharge after a tough week.

Speaker 2 15:52

I usually just um after a tough week on the weekends, I go for long walks, to be honest with you, and clear the mind and the head. I do so much reflecting, it's time to just like kind of step away, you know. Yep again, yes, just long walks.

Speaker 1 16:08

Music, silence, or podcast on the drive home. Music. All right, and that's the way I go into work and the way I leave. Exactly. Last one, if I weren't an educator, I would probably be a probably would be a counselor, believe it or not. I give a lot of advice. You did a great job. So

Where To Learn More And Closing

Speaker 1 16:33

before we wrap up, where can listeners go to learn more about you and your school and your work?

Speaker 2 16:39

Um, we do have a lot of information on our school website at Waterbury Um Public Schools. Just a lot of information on our program is listed there. If they want to learn more about our 50-50 dual language immersion model, that's all there as well.

Speaker 1 16:53

Awesome. Diurca, thank you for joining me and congratulations on being named 2026 Connecticut Association of Schools Elementary School Principal of the Year. Your commitment to the city of Waterbury and its families is remarkable. Your passion for building culture and connection and the way you show up for students and staff truly reflect what this role can and should look like. To our listeners, this episode is a reminder that strong schools build strong leaders. If you enjoyed today's conversation, be sure to subscribe to the Linking Leaders Podcast, share this episode with a colleague, and continue the conversation in your own leadership communities. Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, keep linking your leadership to what matters most.

Speaker 17:43

Thanks so much for joining us for this episode of the Linking Leaders Podcast. This episode is brought to you by the Connecticut Association of Schools, serving schools and their leaders since 1935.