Assistant Principal Named At Parkway School

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones on Wednesday announced the appointment of David Cheris as assistant principal at Parkway School, effective immediately.

Cheris will assist Principal Mary Grandville supporting the entire Parkway community, aiding in the development and achievement of school goals and objectives, while advocating on behalf of all students, GPS said in a news release. Cheris replaces Matthew Cerruto, who was named assistant principal of Western Middle School at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

"Mr. David Cheris has a wealth of experience as an educator that impressed the interview committee," Jones said in a news release. "He is a dedicated, creative, and passionate leader that will help guide students, staff, and families through their academic and social experiences at Parkway School. Greenwich Public Schools continues to attract the best our region has to offer as a premier destination for educators."

For the past 16 years, Cheris has been a school administrator and teacher, most recently holding the position of coordinator of special programs, K-5, for Watertown Public Schools since 2023, where he supervised a team of special education teachers, social workers, and paraprofessionals; developed programming; provided professional development in behavior management instruction; chaired PPT meetings; and managed IEP development, according to GPS.

Previously, Cheris held Connecticut teaching positions at Polk Elementary School (special education) and John Trumbull Primary School (grade 2/computer technology) in Watertown, and Huckleberry Hill Elementary School (grade 3) in Brookfield.

"Mr. David Cheris has had a distinguished career as an elementary educator, having served as a classroom teacher in multiple elementary grade levels, including as a teacher of technology for K-2 students," Grandville said in a news release. "His warmth and creativity, coupled with his vast experience, make him the ideal partner to help lead Parkway School as our new administrator."

Cheris said Greenwich has a "great reputation" as a welcoming community, and he expressed excitement to be a member of the Parkway School family.

"I view my role as an educational leader to be a facilitator: guiding, supporting, inspiring, and motivating students, teachers, and families to maximize student potential and achievement. I am thrilled to partner with Ms. Grandville and the team to continue their great work at Parkway School," Cheris said in a news release.

Cheris holds a bachelor’s degree in theater arts from the University at Albany - State University of New York, a master’s in teaching childhood and special education from Fordham University, and a master’s in teacher leadership and an educational leadership sixth-year certificate from Quinnipiac University.