Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced the appointments of Diane Chiappetta Fox as principal of Hamilton Avenue School and Kerry Gavin as principal of Cos Cob School, effective July 1. Both were named interim principals at their respective schools on July 29, 2022.
“This is a great day for Greenwich Public Schools and the communities of Cos Cob and Hamilton Avenue Schools,” Dr. Jones said in a release. “With overwhelming positive feedback from the hiring committees, staff, and parents, it comes with great pleasure to announce Kerry Gavin and Diane Chiappetta Fox will remain as lead administrators at their respective schools to promote the educational development of each student and the professional development of each staff member.
“Since the start of the school year,” Dr. Jones added, “both have endeared themselves into their communities as dedicated and committed principals serving as amazing role models and leaders. As a District that receives interest from qualified candidates from all around the region for open positions, it was clear to the hiring committee that Kerry and Diane are outstanding administrators who have demonstrated their ability to lead these schools in more permanent roles.”
Ms Fox has been with GPS since 1995, and prior to joining Hamilton Avenue, one of GPS’ four magnet elementary schools, held the position of program administrator of Greenwich High School’s Windrose program for four years. Her Greenwich Schools tenure began as a speech and language pathologist from 1995 through 2006. She then became GHS’s director of student activities for the next 12 years, developing and promoting activities to support student engagement. As the Assistant Dean of Student Life for Cantor House from 2017 through 2018, she was responsible for implementing the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program, planning and providing professional development, and supporting the special education program.
“Hamilton Avenue School is a caring, hard working, family community that has made me feel welcome the past seven months,” Fox said in the release. “There are amazing traditions at Hamilton Avenue passed down from the Greater Greenwich and Chickahominy community that we will continue to promote, while moving forward to support our school’s goals and the District’s Strategic Plan, while advocating on behalf of all students for many years to come. I am home.”
Mr. Gavin began his career as an educator with Greenwich Schools in 1994, and prior to joining Cos Cob, held the position of assistant principal at Western Middle School since 2016. Serving first as a paraprofessional, and then as a French teacher at GHS and Western MS, he was also an assistant dean from 2011 through 2016, interim World Language coordinator K-12 in 2015, and the summer school program site supervisor in 2016.
“I am honored to have been chosen to continue to lead Cos Cob School,” Mr. Gavin said. “Having grown up in town, I know that Cos Cob is all about family and community. The past six months have allowed me to forge strong relationships with our amazing students, staff, and families. I am dedicated to honoring Cos Cob’s many great traditions and eager to see what lies ahead. Our future is bright!”