Derby Principal Selected As 2023 Middle School Principal Of The Year

DERBY, CT — Derby Middle School Principal Rachael Caggiano has been selected as the 2023 Connecticut Middle School Principal of the Year.

According to a news release provided by Derby Public Schools, CAS has awarded this honor to Caggiano in recognition of her outstanding leadership, dedication and commitment to excellence in education.

"I am incredibly honored and humbled to receive this recognition," Caggiano said in a news release. "I am grateful to work with such a dedicated team of educators who are committed to providing our students with a high-quality education and a positive school experience. This award is a testament to our hard work and the incredible students we have the privilege of serving."

Caggiano has been with Derby Public Schools since 2011, serving as the middle school principal since 2018. During her tenure, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to creating a positive learning environment for all students and staff, fostering a culture of inclusion and promoting student and staff success both in and out of the classroom, according to the school district.

"Principal Caggiano is an exceptional leader who has made a significant impact on the lives of our students, families and staff," Superintendent of Schools Matt Conway said in a news release. "Such a well deserved recognition and we are beyond proud to have her as part of our Derby schools, this great city and the Derby family. Principal Caggiano not only builds relationships, she builds the capacity of everyone around her. She makes us all better."

Under Caggiano's leadership, Derby Middle School has seen improvements in student achievement, particularly in the areas of literacy and math education. Of the 16 schools across the state in the commissioner's network of schools, Derby Middle School students had the highest percent of target achieved in both English language arts and mathematics scores, according to the district.

Derby Middle School students also had the highest English language arts year over year growth from 2018-2019 to 2021-2022, with a 5.5 point gain. She has also implemented innovative programs to support the district's Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) program, such as a school-wide RISE Rallies and a KickBoard Store, according to the district.

Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said Caggiano's award was just one more example of Derby's amazing school system.

"Rachael is just that shining star who operates at an extremely high level," Gildea said in a news release. "For those of us who work with Rachael day in and day out, this certainly comes as no surprise. She is easily able to connect with all of the various stakeholders that she must work with, whether it is the community, parents, staff and most importantly the students who are placed in her charge each and every day. Rachael forms deep and meaningful bonds with whomever she works with and it is evident in the relationships that she builds and the outcomes that she achieves. On behalf of the Derby Board of Education, we congratulate Rachael on this outstanding accomplishment."

As the Connecticut Middle School Principal of the Year, Caggiano will be recognized at the CAS Annual Conference in October.

Luke Camara, Derby Middle School student council president and National Junior Honor
Society president, said she was very proud of Caggiano for receiving such a remarkable title.

"Over the years I've attended Derby Middle School, Mrs. Caggiano has treated myself and others with the utmost love and respect," Camara said in a news release. "I am not surprised by any means that she has won this award, because she works day in and day out to make sure every single one of her student's has an enjoyable learning experience. This award not only reflects who Mrs. Caggiano is, but our school district as a whole. I cannot stress how happy I am for Mrs. Caggiano."