LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Mark Abramovich

Position: Principal
School: Harmon Middle School
School District: Aurora City School District
City, State: Aurora, OH

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Mark Abramovich was nominated by a parent of a student, Linda Choong.

"As an educator in mid-career, I have realized the profound impact a positive school environment can have on student and teacher experiences. A supportive school atmosphere decreases absenteeism, suspensions, substance abuse, and bullying and contributes significantly to heightened academic achievement. Furthermore, the positive school climate fostered by leaders like Mark Abramovich plays a crucial role in teacher retention, ultimately influencing overall student success," said Choong.

"My firsthand experience with Mark Abramovich revealed his stellar commitment to promoting a positive school environment. During our interactions and the testimonials from the staff, it became evident that Mr. Abramovich strongly emphasizes hiring exceptional teachers and staff. Recognizing the direct impact of quality teaching on student engagement, he ensures that the faculty contributes positively to the school's overall atmosphere," said Choong.

"Our family encountered Mr. Abramovich in March 2022 when we visited the school after relocating to Aurora from the Chicago suburbs. We believed it was essential for our 14-year-old to familiarize himself with his new school environment. The warm reception from the school counselor, Ms. Jennifer Sferra, and the personalized introductions to students by Mr. Abramovich as they walked through the hallways during intermission assured us that we were in good hands," Choong.

"In preparing this nomination, I sought feedback from my family and friends in the neighborhood regarding Mr. Abramovich. Their sentiments were unanimous – 'He is a principal who is always there for the kids' and 'He remembers every kid's name.' Such personal attention and dedication to creating a positive and inclusive school community indicate Mr. Abramovich's exceptional leadership and commitment to the well-being of students and staff," said Choong.

"I firmly believe that subtle elements can have a profound impact. A robust school environment supports students and empowers them to thrive, unlocking their fullest potential. In essence, a strong school atmosphere is the key to providing the optimal conditions for success," said Choong.

Below are testimonials from the staff of Harmon Middle School:

A proven ability to make a beneficial difference in the lives of students

Most educators realize the importance of a student's name. It can foster connection and is an integral part of our identity - carrying deeply personal, cultural, and familial significance. Mr. Abramovich starts the relationship-building and positive impact in the lives of Harmon Middle School students by learning names. If you wander down a hallway, you will often overhear and greeting (by name) and the follow-up questions - "How did you play last night?", "Looking at the math grade, good stuff," "Did you watch the game this weekend?", "How is your older brother doing?" - all deeply rooted in the belief that relationships benefit students' lives. Mr. Abramovich knows the names of all 700 students who walk through the door each day, and on the rare chance that he does not, you will find him asking the closest person so that he will be able to welcome them into their day next time.
Mr. Abramovich spends time at lunch and in the hallways getting to know students and ensuring that there is a relationship built ahead of time so that together, they can navigate complex situations as they arise at both home and school.
You cannot walk into a community event without observing a crowd of people surrounding Mr. Abramovich to catch up, reminisce, hear a funny story, or shake his hand. Mr. Abramovich is an intertwined part of the culture and community of Aurora.

The ability to create a positive school atmosphere

The aforementioned strengths of Mr. Abramovich only further support his commitment to creating a school atmosphere where laughter and learning coexist. Always one to hop on stage, Mr. Abramovich participates in both the middle school band and orchestra concerts. He provides opportunities for school-wide events to foster acceptance and celebrate the students of Aurora.

Leadership within their school and/or district

Mr. Abramovich demonstrates leadership within his building by participating in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), consulting with staff members about students, attending after-school events, participating in 504 and IEP meetings, attending parent-teacher conferences (when requested), fostering relationships with staff members, and inviting community members into his school as both an example and support for students.
Within the district, Mr. Abramovich participates in Administration meetings, Multi-Tier Support System (MTSS) meetings, School Climate Committee meetings, and many other opportunities to share his insights and suggestions and work as a team with staff members across grade levels and buildings.
Mr. Abramovich also fosters leadership in his building - an essential attribute of a leader - by providing staff members opportunities to take the "lead."

A record of excellent performance at the professional level

Mr. Abramovich was at the helm when Harmon Middle School was named a Blue Ribbon School in 2013. He has continued to encourage greatness from both staff and students.
Aurora City Schools has earned the Ohio Department of Education's "Excellence with Distinction" award for the past ten years. Harmon Middle School - under the leadership of Mr. Abramovich - is a factor in that achievement.

Commitment to producing a nurturing atmosphere

Mr. Abramovich can often be heard relating to parents, having three children of his own in the district. He realizes the importance of creating a nurturing atmosphere in the school building. He always has a student's best interest at heart and readily consults with other staff members to understand the "full picture" before proceeding.
Mr. Abramovich also supports his students by supporting their teachers, school counselors, and other staff members who help foster the Aurora City Schools vision of nurturing students' roots and creating ideal environments for them to grow and develop as learners and people.

Adherence to high moral and ethical standards

Mr. Abramovich and his team start and end their day with the Harmon Middle School motto: "Do the Right Thing." The concept of making the next right choice is ingrained in students and is the pillar in which faculty guide all decisions.

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Comments (9)

Anne Ritz Posted over a year ago

I can say with confidence that Mark knows the name of every kid that is in Harmon miIddle School. He always has and he always will. He has the kindest heart of any school administrator I’ve ever met. He goes above and beyond most principals in other schools. Somehow he can keep track of the kids’ interests, the sports they’re in, the clubs they’ve joined and who might need a little help with some school work. For any parent who’s child has faced an issue in school, he’s there to help try to figure out the best way to make things better, whether it’s finding someone to tutor the child or just checking in on them occasionally. He collects coats for kids. He makes school fun, safe, and a great atmosphere to learn. He also will always make time for any parent or child that needs to talk with him. He’s one in a million and Aurora Schools are so lucky to have him.

Sandy Dankelson Posted over a year ago

Our son Tommy was a special needs student at Harmon from 2009-2011. During that time, Mr. A showed incredible kindness and guidance to Tommy and to us as his parents. Tommy had autism and was primarily non-verbal, and Mark kept a close watch on both his education and his interactions with other students. Tommy loved big hugs, and Mark was always ready. When Tommy died suddenly in 2011, Mark and his staff gave us such compassion and love. To this day, with Mark’s leadership, Harmon has Under Armour shirt day (Tommy’s favorite) and an 8th grade award in his memory. This means so much to our family. It is just another example of what an outstanding person Mark Abramovich is.

Terri Lukehart Posted over a year ago

Three of my kids were in middle school with Mr.”A”. They all loved him. He really did remember every single child’s name. I don’t know how he did it, but he made them all feel special, remembered and good about themselves He was one of those principals that made himself seen with the kids. Lunchtime, out at recess, practicing in band, just all throughout the building. One of our children needed an aid for some learning difficulties, he sat in on the meeting and followed us out to the car to continue talking about how he could help with the issues that we were having. The school was 100% behind us and with us and I know that that was because of his leader ship. I too was a educator in another life and you can spot the good ones a mile off! I would certainly love to put my support behind this initiative, anyway that I can. We need to shout it from the rooftops when we come across people like Mr. Abramovich, that obviously do care!

Danielle Posted over a year ago

Mr. A is one of the most energetic educators I have ever encountered. He knows every student in the school's name. He greets them all often with a fist bump, a high five, but always with a smile on his face. Not only does he support and advocate for students, but he also supports his staff. He expects a lot from his staff but he sets that expectation by his example. There is nothing that he wouldn't do to help a child achieve their goals. Obviously, he cares about academics, but he also takes the time to know his students. He cares about them in and out of the classroom with a goal of every student becoming a solid, upstanding person. His motto, "Do the Right Thing!" can be applied to every facet of life not only at Harmon but for the rest of our lives helping to create a strong base for our children.

K.Wilson Posted over a year ago

Mr. A is consistent, reliable, and his kindness is contagious. All qualities middle school kids desperately need to experience. He's usually the first and last car in the parking lot and attends MANY of the student events. His student advocacy is amazing and he would do anything to help our kids succeed. I'm sure he's been offered opportunities outside of Harmon, but his heart is with these kids in the most fragile years of their lives before they are ushered into true young adulthood. Mr. A is a very deserving human!!

Erin tong Posted over a year ago

Mark has impacted the community, his students, and their families for so long. He is a great example of using positivity to encourage the best from everyone that is around him. He is the ultimate coach for success in all aspects of his student’s lives. He learns and remembers every student’s name, he attend countless activities both in and out of school. He makes every student feel like they can be successful. As the middle school principal he provides the right amount of support, encouragement, and challenge to help student grow academically, emotionally, and as members of a community. Mark makes an amazing impact on every student and family in ways that help them to grow.

Colleen Gelardi Posted over a year ago

My son is developmentally disabled and was in the special education classroom at Harmon. Mr. Abramovich ate lunch with the students in that classroom regularly. He knew my son very well. I once took my son to the library for a fellow student’s birthday party. He was upset and was crying. I was trying to coax him back into the party when Mr. Abramovich came down the stairs. He said hello to us and asked why Anthony was upset. I said he’s ready to go home. I then asked him if he was coming to the party. He said “No, I was looking for a book and heard my guy crying down here. I had to come make sure he was ok.” I have never had an administrator care like Mr. Abramovich. He is truly an amazing man and educator.

Connie Wells Posted over a year ago

I will never forget when our son Brian was thirteen and dislocated his elbow. Mark did not leave his side until we were there and the ambulance was ready to go. Mark then called us at the hospital to check in and visited Brian at home the next day. When our son was ready to return to school, Mark was there to make sure accommodations were made to make the days go smoothly. It made a lasting impression on us and on Brian( now thirty one years old).

Jessica L Rockhill Posted over a year ago

Mr. A. is a truly wonderful and compassionate educator. We moved mid-way through my daughter's 7th grade year. The transition from her previous school to the Aurora School District was effortless due to Mr. A. Mr. A. helped my daughter every step of the way from making her excited to start at Aurora, to making her feel like she was part of the school immediately, to showing her where all of her classes would be and who her teachers were, to making sure she had a group of girls to sit with at lunch. He had a girl assigned to walk with her between classes just to make sure she knew where to go and was not alone. At our previous school, my daughter had been on the edge of self harm - due to the bullying and lack of attention at that school. Through Mr. A.'s leadership and commitment to the school and children, she is THRIVING! My daughter is doing well in school, is involved in activities, and has too many friends to count. Mr. A. knew my daughters name and continued to check in on her throughout her remaining time at Harmon. I am so glad we moved and changed districts. Much of her success in school is because of Mr. A. Thank you!