Superintendent of Greenwich Schools Ralph Mayo announced on Wednesday the appointment of Ms. Shanta M. Smith as Principal of Hamilton Avenue School effective July 1, 2019.
An educator for 19 years and a school administrator since 2010, Ms. Smith is currently serving as Principal of Edgewood Creative Thinking Through STEAM Magnet School in New Haven, CT. She has received extensive training in inquiry-based teaching and actively advocated for the opportunity to co-draft a federal grant to enable the rebranding of Edgewood as a STEAM school.
Ms. Smith said in a release from the district, “I am extremely honored to have been selected to serve as the next Principal of Hamilton Avenue STEM Magnet School. I look forward to “leading and learning” using an inquiry stance while working collaboratively with Hamilton Avenue STEM Magnet School students, staff, parents and members of Greenwich Public Schools and the community to celebrate successes and build upon and discover new opportunities to make learning personal for our students.”
Sign up for the free Greenwich Free Press newsletter
Mr. Mayo said Smith comes to Greenwich with a great deal of leadership experience and a proven track record of supporting student growth.
“She works in a highly collaborative manner and her data driven approach will prove invaluable to the staff and students at Hamilton Avenue School,” he said. “Shanta cares deeply about the welfare of her students as she has demonstrated through the social-emotional learning activities that are in place in her current assignment. Shanta is a great fit for Hamilton Avenue School, her strong work ethic, sharp focus on the needs of all constituents, communication skills and outstanding character will serve the students and the school community well for many years to come.”
Mr. Mayo thanked John Grasso for his commitment to Hamilton Avenue School and his willingness to help Shanta transition into her new role. “John has always been there for our district and he should be commended for his efforts,” he said.
Administrative candidates are selected after a comprehensive search and appointment process, which includes widespread recruitment efforts, multiple interviews, and extensive reference and background checks.