School district arts coordinator leaving for new job
GREENWICH — Greenwich Public Schools’ K-12 Arts Coordinator Laura Newell will be starting a new position on July 1 as New Canaan Public Schools’ visual and performing arts director.
Newell has been with GPS for eight years, where she implemented the district’s K-12 arts curriculum and led the department’s visual art, theater and music programs across 16 buildings district-wide, according to a NCPS statement. Before Greenwich, Newell was the supervisor of fine and performing arts for East Hartford Public Schools. Prior to being an administrator, Newell was the band director at East Hartford High School.
Newell “was instrumental in leading many new initiatives and driving our curriculum to be one of the best in the country,” said GPS Superintendent Toni Jones in a statement. “While we wish her the best, everyone that worked with her will miss her passion, dedication and commitment to the children of Greenwich.”
GPS’s search for a new K-12 arts coordinator is underway.
Newell is a active member of several professional organizations, including the National Association of Music Education, the National Art Educators Association, the Connecticut Music Education Association and the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Newell to the New Canaan Public Schools,” said NCPS Superintendent Bryan Luizzi in a statement. “Her extensive experience, visionary leadership, passion for the arts and commitment to education make Laura the ideal leader for our Visual and Performing Arts program, and we’re excited to welcome her to New Canaan.”
Newell bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in music education from the University of Hartford. She has a certificate of advanced graduate studies in educational leadership from the University of Connecticut. Newell is pursuing a doctor of education in educational leadership from Kansas State University.
“I am honored and excited to join New Canaan Public Schools as the new visual and performing arts director,” Newell said in a statement. “I look forward to joining the NCPS community and especially getting to know the students, staff and community as we share our love of the arts together.”