Superintendent of Schools Dr. Elizabeth Feser is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Paul Cavanna to the post of Principal of West Shore Middle School. The position became available due to the resignation of Mr. Vince Scarpetti who left to become the new Superintendent of Schools in Orange.
Mr. Cavanna has been a professional educator for the past 11 years, seven as a teacher and four as an administrator, most notably the past three years as Assistant Principal at Jonathan Law High School. Mr. Cavanna spent the early part of his career as a social studies teacher at West Haven High School. During this time Mr. Cavanna served as the Freshman Academy Social Studies Team Leader working with colleagues to insure necessary supports and interventions were in place for students to succeed. He led the development of common assessments aligned to state standards, and a vehicle for evaluating the assessments. He was a member of the high school's Instruction Committee and served as Chair of the Assessment Committee. He was viewed by colleagues as a strong teacher dedicated to the well-being and success of all students.
In 2011, Mr. Cavanna joined the Danbury Public School district to serve as the Department Chair of Social Studies, Grades 6-12. During this time, Mr. Cavanna led his department in an honest analysis of student performance data, which resulted in teachers collaborating on strengthening lesson planning and in developing and implementing appropriate intervention strategies. He was also deeply involved with the Teacher Evaluation committee, assisting in the development of the new plan and accompanying professional development. He modeled best practices for many teachers in the areas of technology integration, interdisciplinary instruction and project-based learning. Even though he was in Danbury for only one year, his impact was widely felt across grades 6-12.
Three years ago, Mr. Cavanna became the Assistant Principal at Jonathan Law High School, a post at which he has excelled. While at Law, Mr. Cavanna has been a catalyst for increasing the number of students succeeding, both academically and socially/emotionally. His strength in instructional best practices has affected positive change in classroom teaching. His expertise in data analysis and work with faculty has led to greater monitoring of student performance and the factors that impact their learning. His work with the Student Assistance Team has resulted in a clear process for student referral, defined steps for addressing students' individual needs, e.g., specific interventions, and information on what supports can be tapped. He has also led a group of staff to assist faculty in better understanding students who may be in crisis, and avenues for getting the students help. He has modeled strong instruction for teachers and has conducted professional development with staff, e.g., successful student management in the classroom and student crisis and intervention.
Mr. Cavanna received his Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Connecticut State University in 2002 with a major in History/Social Science Education (Gr. 7-12). He later received a Master of Science degree in Education from SCSU in 2007, with a concentration in Special Education/Socially and Emotionally Disabled. He also received his 6th Year Administrative Certificate from Sacred Heart University in Education Administration. Mr. Cavanna will begin at West Shore Middle School by mid-August.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the West Shore community as principal of West Shore Middle School" Cavanna commented. "I look forward to working with teachers, students, and parents to provide a high quality education for all students. I will work to foster a positive school climate where all students and staff feel valued and have the opportunity to reach their full potential."
Dr. Feser expressed enthusiasm when speaking of Mr. Cavanna's appointment. "I believe strongly that Mr. Cavanna's passionate commitment to serving well every child, deep knowledge of teaching and learning, strength in building relationships with all stakeholders, and ability to harness the best in staff in pursuit of the goals he sets distinguishes him. He will work side-by side with the West Shore staff in sustaining and growing the culture of learning that characterizes West Shore."
Mr. Cavanna and his wife, Stephanie, reside in Milford and are the parents of two children.