Ridgefield Public Schools announced today the appointment of Dr. Sheri Prendergast as the Veterans Park Elementary School Interim Principal.
Dr. Prendergast has spent the past eight years in the Danbury Public Schools, where she has worked for five years as an assistant principal at Broadview Middle School, including filling in as principal during an unexpected leave. She was the STEM leader in Danbury and taught math in public and magnet schools in New York.
A graduate of Penn State with a Master’s degree from Pace University and an administrator certificate through Manhattan College, Dr. Prendergast has just earned a Doctorate of Education from Western Connecticut State University. She was a Teach for America corps member, selected from over 13,000 applicants to teach in underserved urban schools.
From her home in Easton, Dr. Prendergast writes, “I am thrilled to be selected as the Veterans Park Elementary School's Interim Principal. I strongly believe that building relationships with students, staff, and families is the essential foundation that fosters individual growth and student learning in a nurturing environment. As a life-long educator, my focus has been on supporting the whole learner by maintaining high expectations for students and celebrating academic and personal achievements along the way. I value collaboration with families and the community to support the academic, social, and emotional development of all students. I have been fortunate to work with exceptional students, dedicated teachers and administrators, and supportive family and community members. I have no doubt that my experience at Veterans Park will be the same. I look forward to being part of a team of collaborative educators and families in Ridgefield as we work together to support our children as they grow and achieve.”
Prendergast’s recommendations speak to her passion for instruction, ability to cooperate to see the best for students, and decisive, compassionate leadership style. Edie Thomas, Principal of Broadview, writes, “Dr. Prendergast is a natural leader. She takes pride in her work and sets high standards for herself. She displays great respect for people, having a mature and emphatic view of any situation. Only excellence will follow her."
Shelley Rinaldi, Assistant Principal at Broadview writes, “She brings exceptional instructional background and a true sense of joy and laughter to all work environments. She is the type of leader that makes other individuals want to grow professionally and personally. She proved herself to be an effective leader when she assumed the role of principal when our principal unexpectedly went out on leave. During this time, she handled all parent, facility, and safety concerns. She provided clear communication and a sense of stability for our staff, students, and families during an already difficult year.”
Dr. Prendergast will start on August 2. Welcome to RPS, Sheri!