Cider Mill Announces New Principal

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Jennifer Mitchell has been appointed to the position of Principal of Cider Mill School. She succeeds long-time and beloved Cider Mill Principal Virginia "Ginny" Rico who passed away on June 26th after a long illness. Dr. Mitchell's appointment will be effective on August 12, 2013.

For the past five years, Dr. Mitchell has served as the K-12 Program Coordinator for Reading and Language Arts for the Greenwich Public Schools. In this role she oversaw the implementation of Language Arts curriculum, assessments and instruction, supported school- based improvement plans, led a large department of instructional leaders, and designed a variety of professional learning initiatives. Prior to her service in Greenwich, she worked as a program coordinator, reading specialist and classroom teacher. Since 2008 she has been an Adjunct Professor in the Educational Psychology Department of Western Connecticut State University. A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Dr. Mitchell earned an M.A. degree from Sacred Heart University, a 6th Year Professional Certificate in Reading and Language Arts from Central Connecticut University as well as her doctorate in Instructional Leadership from Western Connecticut State University.

As part of the recruitment process, the Cider Mill Principal Search Committee sought to find an energetic, reflective educational leader with a clear vision and understanding of best practices in curriculum, instruction and assessment. They also were looking for a warm and approachable individual who had a demonstrated track record of working effectively with students, teachers, parents and district colleagues. We found such a leader, and we firmly believe that Dr. Mitchell's professional experiences, training, strong interpersonal skills, and passionate commitment to improving learning for all students will be great assets to the strong, vibrant and positive learning community that exists at Cider Mill School.

Commenting on her appointment, Dr. Mitchell said, "I greatly look forward to leading and nurturing the vital learning community at Cider Mill School. I am also excited about meeting and working with the greater school community and personally getting to know the families of Cider Mill School. Our common charge will be to move forward thoughtfully, and, with the best interests of our learners in our hearts."

Gary G. Richards Superintendent of Schools