Derby Board of Education appoints new principal of Irving School

Marc Russo

DERBY - The Derby Board of Education recently appointed Marc Russo as principal of Irving School.
Russo came to the Derby Schools on Feb. 8, 2018 as Dean of Students at Derby Middle School. 

In August of 2019, he moved into the role of Elementary School Dean of Students serving both Irving and Bradley Schools. He has collaborated with principals to create a safe and supportive environment and establish deep-rooted community relationships.

Russo earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Providence College, a Masters of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of New Haven and a 6th Year in Educational Leadership from Quinnipiac University. Prior to his move to Derby, he taught Language Arts and Math in North Haven for 18 years while coaching baseball, softball, and football.

Russo said, “I am humbled and honored to be able to renew my service to Derby Public Schools as the principal of Irving School. My focus is centered on advancing student progress, fostering social-emotional wellness, and nurturing and growing the Irving School community. I believe building relationships, embodying kindness, and answering these three questions in collaborative decision-making: Did we do the right thing? Did we work to the best of our abilities? And, did we show people we care? Irving Wildcats will continue to show respect to ourselves, to others, and to our school!

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr. said, “We are thrilled at Mr. Russo's appointment to the position of Principal at Irving School. Mr. Russo brings his years of experience, relationship building and support for students, staff and families to his new role as principal. In Mr. Russo's 3-year tenure as Dean of Students for Irving and Bradley schools he has developed into a leader earning the respect of many students, staff and family members. With this type of experience in the school and district, he will hit the ground running. We were very fortunate to have had a highly competitive pool of candidates and Mr. Russo rose to the top throughout the process.

Board chairman Jim Gildea said, “Marc has a wealth of experience working with our students and staff both at the middle school and at the elementary school levels. Marc did an outstanding job in a very competitive hiring process and garnered strong support amongst all of the relevant stakeholders; parents, staff, administrators and board members, all whom were represented on the hiring committee. As Marc was the type of administrator, who rolled his sleeves up and jumped right in, he will offer a strong sense of continuity and I am confident that the school will continue to excel and maintain the close-knit family atmosphere that exists there.”

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Board of Education names Olson principal of Derby High School

DERBY - The Board of Education, on the recommendation of the Advisory Selection Committee and Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway, unanimously appointed Jennifer Olson as principal of Derby High School.

Olson started in the Derby Schools in 2012 when she was appointed Irving School Principal. 

During her tenure at Irving, the school was certified with Exemplary School Climate Recognition through the Connecticut Association of Schools. 

She and her team created a safe and supportive environment as the foundation of the turnaround work at Irving. 

In 2017, Olson was a finalist in the selection process for the National Distinguished Principal Award or Elementary Principal of the Year Award.

In 2018 Olson was appointed to the position of Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for the District, providing better support for new learning initiatives, working side by side with our Director of Teaching and Learning, teachers, coaches, and principals to positively impact learning for students in every classroom. 

Olson stepped up as the Interim Principal of Derby High School for the past four months from her District role. She was instrumental in the planning and implementation of the District Reopening Plan to support all schools through our reopening.

Olson said, “I appreciate the confidence and trust the Derby Board of Education and Superintendent has placed in me with this appointment. I am deeply committed and I am looking forward to working collaboratively with our terrific team at the high school to best serve our students and families. This is an exciting opportunity and I look forward to starting this new chapter.”

Conway said, “I am very excited for Jen and the District as she continues in the role of leading our High School through one of the most challenging times in our history. I am confident her proven turnaround work in our District will transcend across all classrooms at Derby High School. This is hard work and takes an all-in, “just one more” attitude by everyone involved. I know Jen and our amazing staff at DHS are up for the challenge.”

Board chairman Jim Gildea said, “The Board is always excited when we are able to see members of the Derby Public School family take on new challenges and grow within the school community. Jen has a proven track record of leading and turning around a school as evidenced by the work she did as leader of Irving School. 

"Jen is a proven problem solver, tireless worker and someone willing to think outside the box to address issues and challenges. We wish her good luck and look forward to her continued impact on our school system.”

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Meet new Irving School principal at Derby Public Library

Principal Aimee Misset will introduce herself to Irving School families at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Library's Main Meeting Room.

New Irving principal: "Proud to be a part of the Derby family"

Aimee Misset is new principal of Irving School in Derby. At left is Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway; at right is Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Board of Education appointed Aimee Misset principal of Irving School. 
The appointment was made on the recommendation of the Selection Committee and Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway.

Misset comes to Irving School from her position as Supervising Vice-Principal at Driggs Elementary School in Waterbury. 
She began her career in 2005 in Waterbury. Prior to entering administration, she served as a classroom teacher, Title 1 Reading Teacher, and a Literacy Facilitator. 
Her strong background in literacy, instruction, and data driven decision making have allowed her to effectively evaluate staff and make decisions to positively impact student achievement. 
Her training in school climate and restorative practices helped her build rapport necessary to provide a safe, trusting environment where all stakeholders can flourish.
Misset is also a strong proponent of parent and community engagement and collaboration. She plans to continue holding many community events and finding new and innovative ways to provide opportunities to enrich the lives of students and families.

Misset believes strong relationships are the cornerstone of a successful school and, when staff and students feel recognized and respected, they are more willing to take the risks that lead to true learning. 
She said,“On my first visit to Irving, I could feel the positive energy. The building buzzed with student-focused energy and excitement and I left with a huge smile on my face. My core values align so well with the work Irving is already doing. I am proud to be a part of the Derby family and am very passionate about helping Irving continue to grow.”

Conway said, “Aimee joins our Derby family with all the knowledge, skills, and drive to continue the great work at Irving. She has already hit the ground running, working with teachers, staff, parents, our state level partners and community partners to ensure a fantastic start of the school year.”

Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said, “Aimee comes to us highly recommended from all of the relevant stakeholders in her last community. Whether it was parents, staff, students or community members, one message that came across loud and clear was that Aimee was able to easily connect with all groups and has made an indelible mark on the school system. Irving School is a special school and we are lucky to have Aimee at the helm.”

Two school events have already been planned to give families an opportunity to meet Misset and kick off the school year as a community.
A Meet and Greet the Principal Read Aloud has been planned in conjunction with Derby Public Library for Aug. 21 from 6-7 p.m. in the main meeting room of the library. 
Families and community members will have the opportunity to meet Misset. She will introduce herself and share some books that have special meaning to her. 
Light refreshments will be served and children will be able to enter a raffle for some new books.
The Irving Back to School Bash will occur Sept. 5 from 5-7 p.m. in the parking lot/playground area. All Irving families are invited. 
The Ice Cream Emergency truck will be there with sweet treats and music. Games will be set up for family fun. 
Community partners have also been invited to join and let families know about resources and activities available to them.


This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Recuperation journey: Retired AHS principal seeking kidney donor

On Monday I spoke with Wilhemenia Christon, retired Ansonia High School principal.

She told me she has Polycystic Kidney Disease, and is on the transplant list at Yale-New Haven Hospital. She is hoping to find a living donor who will be a match for her.

I also have PKD.
I told her I'd post this information on my blog to help get the word out she's seeking help. 

Raising awareness and helping others with renal disease is exactly why I'm revealing so much about myself in these series of post-transplant posts. Now I hope to help Wilhemenia get a kidney transplant as I did. 

If anyone is interested in being tested to see if they are a match she asks them to please call the Yale-New Haven Hospital transplant center at 203-785-2565.

New principal named for Derby Middle School

DERBY - The  Board of Education Wednesday voted to appoint William Vitelli, 46, principal of Derby Middle School.

Read the story here in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Full moon captured on cold night in Derby

  A full moon is seen Tuesday night above Derby High School.

I was in the parking lot of Derby Middle School before Tuesday's special meeting of the Board of Education when I saw the moon and had to take a photo. 
Just looking at this scene makes me feel cold! 

The board voted Tuesday to name Martin J. Pascale, 37, of Waterbury as principal of Derby High School. He has been serving as acting principal since December.