The Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) is pleased to announce the selection of the 2015 Principals of the Year.  Each year, nominations are accepted for the Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal of the Year awards. The winners are chosen by selection committees consisting of active and retired school administrators. Congratulations to these outstanding principals!

• Alicia Bowman, Principal, Westwoods Upper Elementary School, Farmington – 2015 Elementary School Principal of the Year

• Judy DeLeeuw, Principal, East Lyme Middle School – 2015 Middle School Principal of the Year

• Francis Kennedy, Principal, Berlin High School – 2015 High School Principal of the Year
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Alicia Bowman

Alicia Bowman, principal of West Woods Upper Elementary School (WWUES) in Farmington, has been named the 2015 Elementary School Principal of the Year. Nominated for the award by her superintendent, Kathleen Greider, who calls her an “exemplar for the future of school leadership in our nation,” Bowman was chosen for her intellectual and purposeful leadership, her passion for student-directed learning, and her unwavering commitment to continuous improvement.

Upon hearing of her selection for this award, Bowman stated, “I am so honored to be recognized by the Connecticut Association of Schools as the lead learner and principal of West Woods Upper Elementary School. This humbling distinction reflects the collective efforts and deep commitment of the entire school community—students, parents, teachers and staff. As the CT Elementary Principal of the Year I am inspired to continue to realize the vision of supporting all students in becoming leaders of their own learning at West Woods, in Farmington and beyond.”

As “lead learner” at WWUES, Bowman constantly challenges herself and her staff to pursue personal and professional growth opportunities. She vigilantly keeps abreast of educational research and resources and is a valued source of guidance and instructional support for her teachers and colleagues. Since assuming the principalship at WWUES, Bowman has spearheaded a number of successful programs which encourage innovation and promote a culture of ongoing learning, cooperation and excellence. According to fellow Farmington administrator Kelly Sanders, principal of Noah Wallace School, “Alicia has initiated countless systems and programs that support both student and adult learning, including a collaborative grade level team process, weekly classroom observations to provide regular instructional feedback, systemic data and intervention meetings, a co-teaching model, the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).” Bowman’s extensive knowledge of curriculum and pedagogy is surpassed only by her talent and generosity in sharing that knowledge with others. She readily makes herself available to professional colleagues both inside and outside the district, presenting information about the improvement initiatives at WWUES. “Alicia is an exemplary mentor to both teachers and administrators, generous with her time, expertise and compassion,” praises Sanders.

A transformational and collaborative leader who is committed to developing the best in her students and in the teaching and learning process, Bowman is a visionary, a capacity builder and a change agent. She has inspired WWUES to new heights of achievement by creating a clear vision, working towards implementing that vision, and empowering others to work alongside her. In keeping with Farmington’s Framework for Teaching and Learning, Bowman has elevated the role of the student in the learning process. According to Mary Grace Reed, chair of the Farmington Board of Education, “Her students lead their learning and are well versed in the improvement priorities of the school as well as their individual strengths, needs and goals.” Adds Literacy Specialist Kristin Alvarez, “As a result of the learning community that Alicia Bowman has created, WWUES students are becoming leaders of their own learning. The change in the role of the learner is empowering students with the understanding of where they need to go and how to get there.”

A 13-year educator, Bowman has served the Farmington public schools and the greater Farmington community for her entire professional career. She is credited with helping the district achieve designation as a P21 Exemplar District from the Partnership for 21st Century Learning. This distinction is awarded to a select group of schools and districts that show a commitment to engaged learning approaches and student acquisition of 21st century knowledge and skills.

Judy DeLeeuw

Dr. Judy DeLeeuw, principal of East Lyme Middle School (ELMS), has been named the 2015 CAS Middle School Principal of the Year. Described by former East Lyme First Selectman and current State Senator Paul Formica as an “inspirational and collaborative leader,” Dr. DeLeeuw was selected for her intrepid leadership, her commitment to educational equity, and her what’s-best-for-kids approach to school administration. She has worked with a broad network of stakeholders to build and sustain a student-centered, engaging, inclusive and academically rigorous school where student achievement is abounding; teachers are challenged and supported; and parents are vital partners in their children’s education.

Reacting to the announcement of her selection, Dr. DeLeeuw remarked, “I am extremely honored and humbled to receive this award from CAS. I will celebrate this accolade with those who inspire me to lead each day; the teachers and the students.”

During her eight years as ELMS principal, Dr. DeLeeuw has distinguished herself as an industrious and reform-minded leader who cares deeply about the well-being of all members of the school community. According to ELMS Assistant Principal Jason Bitgood, who nominated DeLeeuw for the award, “As a leader committed to change, Dr. DeLeeuw faces challenges with passion, perseverance and compassion.” Adds Language Arts teacher Audrone Venduras, “A sign at the entrance to ELMS reads, ‘Welcome to Your School.’ This is not an empty slogan but a philosophy which Judy embraces by successfully fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration among students, parents and staff to make ELMS the educational powerhouse that it is.”

Selected as the CAS Middle School of the Year in 2012, ELMS is a dynamic, creative, student-centered middle school where innovation and excellence flourish. The energy and vitality that permeate the school building are a direct result of DeLeeuw’s passion for educational excellence. The 900-student school facility is divided into Kivas, or “gathering places,” which serve as small, personalized learning communities for students and teachers. This unique design concept supports differentiated learning and interdisciplinary instruction which facilitate the development of 21st-century skills critical for success in the recently implemented Connecticut Core assessments. Noted one member of the CAS School of the Year Selection Committee: “ELMS is a cutting edge school. Its interdisciplinary units are far-reaching and promote authentic learning; and, its eighth grade Capstone projects are the equivalent of research at the college level.”

Dr. DeLeeuw works tirelessly to maintain a vibrant, caring, student-centered culture which allows all children to grow socially and emotionally as well as academically. A constant presence in the corridors and classrooms, she uses every available opportunity to interact with and build relationships with her students. Says Venduras, “Walk down the hallway, stop by the cafeteria, or observe bus dismissal and you will see a constant stream of children greeting their principal, for Judy has a remarkable relationship with her kids. She is accessible and genuinely interested in what they have to say.” Recalls ELMS sixth grader Jack Derry, “During our end-of-the-year assembly, Dr. DeLeeuw joined the staff in a flash mob dance to the song ‘Happy.’ She was laughing and just having fun with everyone. My friends and I appreciate that she truly understands and relates to kids our age.”

One of Dr. DeLeeuw’s greatest achievements was her successful transformation of ELMS’ instructional services for special education students. She led her staff in transitioning from special education pullout classes to general education inclusion classes, increasing the amount of time students with disabilities spend with non-disabled peers from 56% to 90%. ELMS is now a place where all students learn together in the same well-supported classrooms with the values of tolerance, acceptance and sensitivity as cornerstones for success.

Francis Kennedy

Francis Kennedy, principal of Berlin High School (BHS), has been named the 2015 CAS High School Principal of the Year. A 32-year veteran educator, Kennedy is celebrated for his educational expertise, organizational competence, natural inclination to listen, willingness to give voice to other perspectives, respect for all members of the school community, and commitment, always, to improvement and constructive enterprise. Says Athletic Director Dan Scavone, “Fran Kennedy is a total gentleman known for his calm and poised demeanor, professionalism, sense of humor and absence of ego. When you have a principal like Fran who is always willing to listen and take an interest in your needs and concerns, it inspires everyone to work for the betterment of the entire school.”

Upon learning the news of his award, Kennedy stated, “I am most humbled to represent the exceptional, selfless work conducted in Berlin, at the Connecticut Association of Schools, and throughout our state by having been identified as Connecticut’s High School Principal of the Year. It is a privilege to serve our noble profession with such extraordinary students, teachers, colleagues, and mentors, making this a truly collective honor.”

Through a genuine affection and respect that he models for all, Kennedy has built an environment of altruism and appreciation that permeates the hallways, classrooms and office areas. Known for his interpersonal sensitivity and moral grounding, his focus is as much on producing well-rounded, responsible and caring citizens as it is on high academic achievement. He worked with staff to create a BHS Statement of Core Values and Beliefs which spotlights social and civic responsibility as a vital component of learning.

Principal of BHS since 2011, the quality and breadth of options for study at BHS have increased dramatically during his tenure. In addition to introducing a number of creative electives – including forensics, app development and sports literature – he has worked with staff to expand the number of Advanced Placement course offerings. In fact, the expansion was so significant that BHS was named to the AP District Honor Roll in 2012-13 and 2013-14 in recognition of its success in not only increasing access to AP® course work but also maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams.

Kennedy has been an intellectual and reflective leader, one who demonstrates a strong sense of personal purpose and an ardent commitment to creating and implementing new ways of reaching and engaging learners. He and his staff implemented senior capstone projects which are designed to encourage students to think critically, solve challenging problems, and develop 21st century skills that will help prepare them for college, modern careers, and adult life.

Always looking to develop talent in others, Kennedy embraces the premise that an important function of leadership is to produce more leaders. He is attuned to the demands of the profession and expertly identifies and encourages staff with strong leadership potential. He has served the University of Connecticut and other graduate schools as a mentor, helping numerous teachers as they pursued administrative degrees.

Kennedy’s powerful impact as a school leader is best reflected in these comments by tenth-grader McKenzie Hudson: “Out of all of my principals, Mr. Kennedy is the best I have seen and worked with – ever! He is the heart and soul of this school, and I don’t know what the school would be like without him.”

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The State Principal of the Year Program
The Principal of the Year Program, sponsored annually by the Connecticut Association of Schools, was established in 1984 to bring recognition to the principalship and to spotlight the important role of the principal in shaping the educational environment and experiences of children. The program recognizes outstanding school principals who have succeeded in providing high quality learning opportunities for students. These administrators have demonstrated excellent leadership, commitment to staff and students, service to their communities, and contributions to the overall profession of educational leadership.

Each year nominations are solicited for an Elementary, Middle and High School Principal of the Year. The winners are chosen by a selection committee consisting of active and retired principals and assistant principals. State principals of the year must demonstrate success in the areas of collaborative leadership; personal excellence; curriculum, instruction, and assessment; and personalization.

Bowman, DeLeeuw and Kennedy will be honored by CAS at the “Celebration of Distinguished Administrators” to be held on October 22, 2015.

National Recognition Programs
Bowman will represent Connecticut in the National Distinguished Principals (NDP) Program sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) in corporate partnership with the Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company (VALIC). One principal is chosen annually from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. Principals representing private K-8 schools, Department of Defense Dependents’ Schools, and the U.S. Department of State Overseas Schools are also recognized. Public school principals are nominated by peers in their home states, and the final selection for each state’s NDP is made by the NAESP state affiliate. The national recognition events will take place in Washington, D.C. on October 15-16th. They include special tours and activities as well as opportunities for professional dialogue among the principals. The two-day celebration culminates in a formal awards banquet.

Kennedy will represent Connecticut in the National Principal of the Year Award Program sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). He will compete for the national honor along with principals from each of the other forty-nine states, as well as the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Dependents Schools, and the Department of State Overseas Schools. The national winner and two finalists will receive a cash award which must be used to improve learning at the recipients’ school. NASSP will honor state principals of the year at an Institute in Washington DC, September 15-18, 2015. This event salutes principals and serves as a forum to share their experience and expertise with each other, with national leaders in education, and with federal legislators.