History

The Shoreham-Wading River Middle School opened its doors for the first time in 1972. Dennis Littky, the first principal, founded it along with sixteen teachers who wanted to create a student-centered school. In 1973, the current building was completed. Jane Wittlock succeeded Dr. Littky in 1978.

Dr. Cary Bell took over the helm as principal in 1980, after serving as principal for a number of years at the famous Boys Town School in Nebraska. In 1994, the school was renamed in honor of Albert G. Prodell, who served as president of the Board of Education from the mid-sixties (beginning with the Wading River School Board before the SWR district was unified) until his retirement in that year. His educational vision was instrumental in creating the combined SWR school district and supporting the innovations that distinguished our Middle School for so many years. Dr. Bell retired in 2001, and Charles J. Gonzales assumed the principalship in 2002. Following Mr. Gonzales, Dr. Ken Wagner was the middle school principal. In July 2006, Dr. Linda Anthony was appointed the principal of the Albert G. Prodell Middle School.

Over the years, the SWR Middle School built a national reputation as an excellent school. The Middle School was honored with one of the first Presidential Excellence in Education Awards in a ceremony at the White House in 1983. The school is especially known for its advisory program and innovative teaching methods. SWR Middle School teachers and Dr. Bell were actively involved in both the New York State Middle School Association and National Middle School Association (former SWR Middle School teacher Ross Burkhardt was a past president of NMSA) and the school has been visited by thousands of educators from New York State and beyond.

Middle schools across the country face exciting times as they address federal and state initiatives designed to ensure academic success for all, while preserving the learning and social environments necessary for young adolescents to thrive. Our principal, Mr. Vann, is excited to work with the students, parents, faculty, and staff to continue to develop and articulate the qualities of the A. G. Prodell Middle School that make it a source of pride in our community, and a model for others to emulate.

For the 2018-2019, the Prodell Middle School will open with a fully renovated track, library, and main office. The school will also open a fully functioning cafeteria during the 2018-2019 school year.