Wilton Hires New Principal for Cider Mill School

Written by Barbara Heins and Alfred Branch

Jennifer Mitchell, who has been the reading and language arts coordinator for Greenwich Public Schools for the past five years, has been hired as the new principal of Wilton's Cider Mill School, the district announced Friday.

Mitchell succeeds Virginia "Ginny" Rico who passed away June 26, following a long illness. She is slated to begin her new assignment Aug. 12.

“I greatly look forward to leading and nurturing the vital learning community at Cider Mill School," said Dr. Mitchell in a statement. "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.”

According to Wilton School Superintendent Gary Richards, the school's search committee "sought to find an energetic, reflective educational leader with a clear vision and understanding of best practices" in all facets of education, 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," said Richards in a statement.

He continued, "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."

As the Greenwich K-12 reading and language arts coordinator, Mitchell 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, according to the Wilton district.

Greenwich School Superintendent William McKersie said, "Jen has served the GPS with distinction for many years. I will miss her energy and critical insights, all focused on what is best for our students and teachers. I know that she has wanted a new leadership challenge, so I am thrilled that she has landed a principalship in a wonderful school district."