Hamilton Avenue School Principal Cynthia Womack has announced her intention to relocate out of state at the end of this school year, according to a statement released Friday afternoon by the Greenwich Board of Education.
In her notification to the Superintendent, she stated she wants to provide ample notice of her intentions in order to provide the time necessary to search for and appoint a new Principal.
Ms. Womack has been Principal at Hamilton Avenue School since 2010. In her five years at HAS, Ms. Womack has worked tirelessly to develop strategies for improving student performance and closing gaps in achievement. She was instrumental in launching a Digital Learning Environment at HAS as a Phase I school, leading the District and her school in this important initiative. She has also supported the charge to explore and transition the school’s magnet theme to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM.)
“I applaud Ms. Womack for letting us know early about her future plans so that we can begin immediately a national search for a new principal,” Superintendent McKersie said of Womack’s early notice. “The timing of Ms. Womack’s announcement speaks to her deep commitment to always do what is best for her school community. She will leave a strong legacy at Hamilton Avenue.”
Ms. Womack said, “My time with the Greenwich Public Schools and, in particular, with the Hamilton Avenue School community has been a wonderful experience. I am sad to leave the students, staff and families of HAS, but look forward to my upcoming marriage, move to Maryland, and new opportunities in education leadership. With the new STEM magnet theme and the Centennial celebration next year, the school is about to embark upon a new era for the Chickahominy community. I see nothing but a very bright future for the school. I have no doubt that Hamilton Avenue School will continue to be a huge success and a vibrant part of this wonderful community.”
A national search for a Hamilton Avenue School Principal will begin immediately. HAS staff and parents will work with District personnel in a structured process to provide input on the recommendations for a new principal. The Superintendent will make the final decision in selecting the new principal for Hamilton Avenue School.
Womack has over 25 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.
Prior to her appointment as Principal of Hamilton Avenue School, Womack was Principal of Washington Elementary School, Manchester Public Schools, Manchester, CT. That school is a Media Arts Magnet School (1999-2010). Ms. Womack introduced various instructional strategies at Washington Elementary
School 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 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.
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