A Really Good Year

On November 16 the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) awarded Tariffville Elementary School Principal Scott Baker its Outstanding First-Year Principal Award. Superintendent Dr. Diane Ullman and Assistant Superintendent Erin Murray personally conveyed the news to the staff and faculty at Tariffville School.

The Outstanding First-Year Principal Award was originated to honor William Cieslukowski, a dedicated school principal and former president of the Elementary & Middle School Principals of Connecticut. This award recognizes first year elementary, middle and high school principals who have had a positive impact on their school or school district. Recipients must demonstrate exemplary instructional and organizational leadership, a willingness to take risks, and the ability to overcome adversity.

In her letter of nomination for the award, Dr. Ullman referred to Baker as “a masterful instructional leader” as well as articulated the principal’s natural ability to respond to children’s needs and inspire students. She wrote, “In order to reinforce his message about the importance of high levels of learning for all students, Mr. Baker gave each incoming kindergarten student a replica of the school mascot, an owl named Kip (Knowledge is Power) for students to carry with them throughout their days at Tariffville School.”

In his nomination letter, former Director of Human Resources Matt Curtis remarked on Baker’s leadership abilities and instant rapport with the faculty. Immediately after assuming his new position as principal, “Scott and his staff identified early on … the areas of improvement that would be the focus of team-based conversations and reflection throughout the year.”

This collaborative approach and commitment to improving instructional practice has resulted in significant student achievement, with the strongest achievement scores ever recorded at Tariffville School for grade 3 students, including 90 percent meeting goal in both math and writing on the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT), with 87 percent achieving goal for reading. Low-income students in Tariffville also benefited; despite the school having the highest percentage of students on free and reduced lunch (14.5 percent) in Simsbury schools, that subgroup produced the best student achievement results.

In an emailed announcement to colleagues, school psychologist Jan Hanlon summed up the sentiments of the education community: “While we know and appreciate all that Scott has brought to our school, it is so wonderful to see him receive statewide recognition for his dedication to our students and school community.”

Baker will be honored at a CAS Board of Directors meeting on December 19.

This information was submitted by the Simsbury Public Schools.