School of the Year

General InformationAward Recipients
School of the Year Award General Information
Nominations may be made by any present or former member of the school staff or by district central office personnel

Purpose
To give public recognition in Connecticut and nationally to an outstanding CAS member elementary and middle school that represent the best in the profession.

The chosen schools will receive recognition in the media, in CAS publications and at a CAS sponsored ceremony in their community.

Eligibility
1. All applicants for the School of the Year Award must be members of CAS and exhibit the following Best Practices:

  • Evidence of a safe and healthy school environment.
  • Evidence that the school involves parents and the community in supporting student learning and healthy development.
  • Student services that go beyond those that are part of a typical school, i.e. clubs, activities, support services, and extra help for those who need it.
  • Evidence that the school’s educational programs are consistently being reviewed and improved.
  • A researched based curriculum with appropriate assessment grounded in standards.
  • Instructional methods and strategies designed to prepare students to meet high standards.
  • Teaming practices that drive instruction.
  • Personalization of the school environment.
  • Collaborative leadership and professional learning communities

2. Each of the nine criteria listed above must be individually addressed in narrative form. The total response must not exceed 10 pages (12-point font/single spaced).
3. The winning school will be invited to share exemplary practices and programs with other CAS member schools by offering CAS workshops, writing for CAS publications, and/or welcoming visitors to their school.
4. Nominations may be made by any present or former member of the school staff or by district central-office personnel.
5. Previous winners may not apply for a period of five years and must clearly show significant change from the previous application. Finalists {schools receiving site visits} are encouraged to re-apply for this award and may do so one full school year following the site visit. Schools not selected as finalists are welcome to re-apply at any time.

Elementary Level
Year School City/Town Principal at Time of Award
2022-23 West Vine Street School Stonington Kathryn Irvine
2021-22 Ellen P. Hubbell Elementary School Bristol Kristine DeLeo
2018-19 Burr Elementary School Higganum (Region 17) Eric Larson
2017-18 Quaker Hill Elementary School Waterford Christopher Discordia
2016-17 Deans Mill School Stonington Jennifer McCurdy
2015-16 Guilford Lakes Elementary School Guilford Jill Hale
2014-15 Connecticut Academy of International Studies Danbury Dr. Helena Nitwoski
2013-14 Alcott Elementary School Wolcott Holly Wrenn
2012-13 Naubuc School Glastonbury Michael Litke
2011-12 Center School Old Lyme Chris Pomroy
2011-12 Thomas Hooker Elementary School Meriden James Quinn
2010-11 Ivy Drive School Bristol RoseAnn O’Brien-Vojtek
2009-10 J.Milton Jeffrey Elementary School Madison Mona Goodman
2008-09 Elmer Thienes Mary Hall Elementary School Marlborough Loraine Giannini
Middle Level
Year School City/Town Principal at Time of Award
2022-23 Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School Old Lyme (Region 18) Marc Ambruso
2021-22 Greene-Hills School Bristol Scott Gaudet
2018-19 Hillcrest Middle School Trumbull Stafford Thomas
2017-18 Ellington Middle School Ellington David Pearson
2016-17 Bethel Middle School Bethel Derek Muharem
2015-16 Wamogo Middle School Regional School District #6 Jody Lambert
2014-15 New Fairfield Middle School New Fairfield Christine Baldelli
2013-14 Sage Park Middle School Windsor Locks Paul Cavaliere, Jr.
2012-13 East Lyme Middle School Niantic Dr. Judith DeLeeuw
2010-11 Chippens Hill Middle School Bristol Catherine Carbone
Granby Memorial Middle School Granby Paul Osypuk
2009-10 John Winthrop Middle School Deep River David Russell
2008-09 Canton Middle School Canton Joseph Scheideler