Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones today announced the appointment of Ms. Erin Montague as assistant principal at Western Middle School (WMS).
Ms. Montague, who has been serving as the interim AP since August 12, replaced Mr. Kerry Gavin, who was appointed principal at Cos Cob School. WMS is GPS’ sole magnet middle school, featuring AVID Schoolwide, a global organization dedicated to closing the opportunity gap, preparing all students, especially underrepresented students, to be college and career ready.
“Erin Montague has proven to the entire Western Middle School community during this past school year that she is a committed and dedicated school administrator deserving of a more permanent role,” Dr. Jones said. “For almost a decade on the staff, she has endeared herself to WMS and it became clear to the interview committee she belongs in this position. We are especially proud of Ms. Montague because she is an alumna of Greenwich Public Schools, graduating from New Lebanon School, WMS, and Greenwich High School.”
Ms. Montague will work closely with newly named principal, Dr. PJ Wax, in organizing and fostering a positive, safe environment that is conducive to best meet the needs of all students, staff, and parents at WMS. She will continue to hold such responsibilities as leading, directing, and supervising a variety of personnel and programs; creating effective parent, teacher, and child communications; supporting, encouraging, mentoring, and evaluating staff; and fostering teamwork between teachers and among staff and parents.
Prior to being named interim AP, Ms. Montague had been at WMS since 2014 as a school counselor, advocating for individual students surrounding academic, personal/social, and post-secondary needs. She led a team of teachers in student concern meetings, identifying issues, and creating action and communications plans, was the co-chair and member of the WMS Systems Committee, was the 504 case manager, and the AVID site coordinator. Ms. Montague was named a 2020 Distinguished Teacher and was the District’s selection for the Connecticut State Department of Education’s 2021 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program.
“I am honored and proud to continue to serve my hometown community as assistant principal of Western Middle School,” Ms. Montague said. “I am fortunate to work alongside an amazing community of learners, families, and a dedicated and talented staff. We are so proud of how far Western has come in recent years and have a clear vision for how to continue the good work happening here."
Ms. Montague holds a bachelor’s in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut, a master’s in School Counseling from Fairfield University, an Administrator Certification from Sacred Heart University, and a Sixth Year Certificate from the University of La Verne.