On the first day at New Lebanon School in Byram friends and families greeted each at an event that featured a step-and-repeat wall and photo opportunities with the school mascot, the Wildcat.
The school itself is new, having been completed in February 2019 to replace a 1950s era building that had become overcrowded.
For many Friday was the first chance to meet the new school principal Dr. Daniel Russo who relocated for the job leading New Lebanon School from New York City after working there for 17 years.
Dr. Russo was previously the deputy superintendent in New York City Department of Education’s District 11 in the Bronx.
“I really wanted to embrace a new chapter in my professional career,” he said, adding that when he discovered the principal job listing, he studied both the school and its unique neighborhood.
“It seemed like a really exciting transition for me out of a large, urban school district to a community with the same richness and diversity that I’m working with,” Russo said.
In addition to the popular step-and-repeat wall, Friday’s event featured tables set up by organizations including the PTA and literacy volunteers.
“I do believe it is going to be a great year. The school is poised to do our best work yet,” Dr. Russo said. “All of our community partners being here today to wrap their arms around the children and the families is so unique to this community, and that’s why I am so enjoying learning and listening to everyone across the community about what’s important to them.”
Earlier in the week Dr. PJ Wax, the new principal at Western Middle School threw a barbecue for staff to kick off the new year. And on Thursday, the Old Greenwich School community participated in a walk around Tod’s Point.
See also:
Old Greenwich School Community Kicks Off the Year with a Community Walk around Tod’s Point Aug 31, 2023
Western Middle School Starts a New Tradition with Principal Wax: New Year’s in August Aug 30, 2023
Summer of 2023: Friendships Forged at Byram Pool Aug 27, 2023