Greenwich Roundup: 04/01/10 Hamilton Avenue School Principal Announced

Thursday, April 1, 2010

04/01/10 Hamilton Avenue School Principal Announced

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Sidney A. Freund announced today the
appointment of Cynthia L. Womack as Principal of Hamilton Avenue School,
effective July 1, 2010. See attached for more information.

Kim Eves
Director of Communications
Greenwich Board of Education
290 Greenwich Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830

http://www.greenwichschools.org/

Phone: 203-625-7415
e mail: kim_eves@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Fax: 203-869-8003

SUPERINTENDENT APPOINTS HAMILTON AVENUE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

(For immediate release: Thursday, April 1, 2010 – Greenwich, CT) Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Sidney A. Freund announced today the appointment of Cynthia L. Womack as Principal of Hamilton Avenue School, effective July 1, 2010. Ms. Womack is currently a principal with the Manchester Public Schools in Manchester, CT at Washington Elementary School and has led the school for the last eleven years. Washington Elementary School is a Media Arts Magnet School. Dr. Freund said, “Ms. Womack is an experienced elementary building principal, she is a true instructional leader – well versed in many of the strategies and initiatives already employed by the District, and she has a track record of improving student achievement.”

Ms. Womack has over 20 years of experience as an elementary educator working with diverse populations. She has initiated, developed and implemented instructional programs and strategies to address the needs of struggling learners, advanced learners, and learners with varied interests. She is practiced at running a magnet school and understands the value of collaboration and shared decision-making when planning for improvement. Ms. Womack takes a personal interest in her students, their learning and their general well-being, and she is committed to raising achievement at all levels.

Ms. Gloria Sprigg, Hamilton Avenue School Kindergarten Teacher, participated on the interview committee for the new Principal as well as the site visit to Ms. Womack’s school, she noted, “I was very impressed not only with the personal connection Ms. Womack has with her students and their families, but also with her dedication in creating a productive school environment.”

In 1999, Ms. Womack was appointed as Principal to the Washington Elementary School, Manchester Public Schools, Manchester, CT – a Media Arts Magnet School. As Principal of Washington Elementary School, Ms. Womack introduced various instructional strategies including academic review and analysis of student work, differentiated instruction, and Scientific Research-Based Interventions (SRBI/RtI). She has focused on mentoring and coaching her teaching staff using Walkthroughs, a comprehensive evaluation process, and conducting workshops and other professional learning opportunities. She works collaboratively and communicates regularly with parents and members of the community. Ms. Womack procured a $500,000 federal grant to implement an after school, extended day program for K-5 students, providing academic support and recreational activities. She created an inclusionary, motivational learning environment for students with special needs using a co-teaching model.

Ms. Womack began her career in education as a second grade teacher at Public School 81 in Brooklyn, NY in 1987. One year later she moved to Public School 346 in Brooklyn as a fifth grade teacher and taught there for the next ten years. Working with a diverse student population, Ms. Womack differentiated instruction to meet the varied needs of her students, introduced multi-cultural themes into the classroom, and established a track record for effective instruction of students on grade level, those working at an advanced level and those with special needs. During her time as a classroom teacher she was also selected to teach gifted students, implementing a rigorous and challenging curriculum as well as a series of cultural fairs. She also created the school’s first formal K-5 writing curriculum and served as a Writing Teacher for three years. Ms. Womack initiated an after school reading tutorial program for 250 students in grades 3-6 and served as the Director. She was Coordinator for the Parent as Partners in Science and Math Conferences, directing this hands-on Science and Math day-long workshop; and chaired the School Leadership Team.

Ms. Womack received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, WA in 1984; her Masters in Elementary Education from New York University, New York City, NY in 1993; and her Administrative Certificate from Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY in 1995.