New Principal Named For Milford School

MILFORD, CT — Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth Feser has announced that Bonnie Etense has been appointed as the new principal of John F. Kennedy School.

In a notice to parents, Feser wrote:

Dear John F. Kennedy Families,

I hope the summer for all of you has gone well. I am writing to share with you that I am appointing Ms. Bonnie Etense to the position of Principal of John F. Kennedy School. As you know, Sean Smyth has assumed the position of Supervisor of District Improvement in the Milford Public Schools.

Ms. Etense brings expertise as a classroom teacher and Teacher Leader. She began her career in 2006 as a grade 5 teacher, serving at Simon Lake School and then Pumpkin Delight. She taught for nine years successfully implementing Math Investigations and Readers’ and Writers’ Workshop. She was invited to pilot the use of Google in her 5th grade classroom with the use of 1:1 Chromebooks.

The pilot was hugely successful evidenced in the engagement by her students and quality of work produced. In 2015, Ms. Etense became Teacher Leader at Live Oaks School. In this capacity she was directly involved in strengthening school climate, assisting in school management (safety, student discipline, daily operations, parent inquiries/concerns), collaborating with teachers in designing interventions, assisting with SAT and 504 meetings, participating in PPT meetings, monitoring student attendance and truancy concerns, and more.

She was a catalyst for designing and implementing initiatives aimed at getting students more involved in their school community.

She worked closely with beginning teachers, student teachers and interns providing feedback and suggestions for improving their practice. Ms. Etense also provided professional learning to staff on Restorative Practices and modeled its use in her work with students.

Ms. Etense is passionate about teaching and learning, believes all students can succeed at challenging levels, and makes what’s best for kids her priority. She is committed to both the academic and social/emotional growth of students. Developing strong relationships with students, staff and parents are central to her work ethic.

She is a listener, a collaborator, a seeker of input and of feedback. She will work to know every student in the school and make connections with them and with families. Ms. Etense will begin her new role on August 11th. I hope you will join me in congratulating and welcoming Ms. Etense to John F. Kennedy School.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth E. Feser, Ed.D.

Superintendent