Greenwich Public Schools’ Western Middle School Principal Gordon Beinstein has been named the CT Association of Schools 2019 Middle School Principal of the Year.
Julian Michaca Lujan and Victor Avelar with Gordon Beinstein at Western Middle School, Dec 6, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Karen Packtor, Assistant Director for CT Association of Schools, said in her notification letter to Mr. Beinstein, “You were chosen for this award from a group of skilled and dedicated administrators, thus giving testimony to your tremendous success as an instructional leader and building manager. As evidenced by your impressive application packet and superb site visit, you are a deeply respected and influential change-agent in your school and community.”
“Mr. Beinstein is one of the most caring individuals that I have ever had the pleasure of working with in my forty-two years of public education,” said Superintendent of Schools Ralph Mayo. “There are no obstacles or problems that will impede him from reaching the goals that he has set for himself, his students, his staff or his administrative team.”
Mayo said Mr, Beinstein has demonstrated that with the appropriate instructional strategies, and building culture and climate, all students can learn at high levels and achieve success.
“The district is extremely proud of Mr. Beinstein and congratulates him on this well-deserved recognition,” he added.
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Mr. Beinstein’s student, teacher, administrator and parent nominators each referenced the phenomenal improvement in achievement and school culture since his arrival in 2013 in the Middle School Principal of the Year application. They attribute the school’s successes to Mr. Beinstein’s focus on creating a culture of collaboration, innovation, data-driven goal-setting and open communication.
Western has risen from the 147th ranked middle school in CT in 2013 to the 66th in 2018. Based upon the 2017-18 Smarter Balanced Assessment results, and out of the 270 middle schools across the state, WMS ranked:
• 3rd in the Overall Accountability Index.
• 5th for high levels of ELA academic growth
• 19th for high levels of MATH academic growth
• 7th for high levels of ELA academic growth for high needs students*
• 15th for high levels of MATH academic growth for high needs students.*
*The state defines ‘high needs’ as those students who are in Special Education, receive ELL services, or qualify for free/reduced lunch.
Annual school climate surveys reflect 98% of parents responding look favorably on their child’s experience at Western under Mr. Beinstein’s leadership.
Parent surveys also show that Mr. Beinstein’s focus on student needs is impactful, with 94.5% of WMS parents saying their children enjoy coming to school; 94.5% feel their children are appropriately challenged academically; 96.5% strongly agree that staff know/care about their child; and 97.5% say their children feel supported by staff.
His parent nominator said, “Gordon leads by example, communicates regularly with parents, is responsive to their concerns, values input and builds open honest relationships with staff, students, parents and the community at large. His passion for education energizes and inspires others to do and be their best.”
Mr. Beinstein will be honored as the Middle School Principal of the Year at the CAS recognition dinner on October 23, 2019 at Saint Clements Castle in Portland, CT.