New Haven Register (Sunday) (New Haven, CT)
Milford educator Amy Rizzo named principal of JFK Elementary
MILFORD — The public school district’s teacher leader for professional learning and former teacher leader for instructional technology is the new principal of John F. Kennedy Elementary School, school officials have announced.
Amy Rizzo replaces Sean Brennan, who was named assistant superintendent of business and operations earlier this year. She began her new job July 1 and comes into the position having served in a host of leadership positions since joining the public school system as a library/media specialist at Milford’s Mathewson Elementary School in 2016, officials said.
She helped implement the district’s High Quality Instruction initiatives and led the MPS New Teacher Academy, the TEAM program, HQI Live!, PK-12 Mastery Based Diploma Experience, and the Professional Development & Evaluation Committee, among others, school Superintendent Anna Cutaia said.
Rizzo “brings valuable experience to her new role, as an educator, as a leader, and as an engaged and knowledgeable member of the Milford community,” Cutaia said in a statement.
Cutaia praised Rizzo for “her emphasis on team building, along with her noteworthy positive attitude.”
Rizzo said she would establish “strong relationships with students, teachers, and the parent community” to “promote open communication, transparency, partnership, and a sense of belonging within our school. My commitment to excellence in education is unwavering and I am deeply invested in the success and well-being of all of our MPS learners.”
“As JFK’s ‘lead learner,’ I bring an open heart, positive energy, and integrity to foster a community where all members feel respected, valued, and supported,” Rizzo said in the statement.
Rizzo began her career as a middle school English language arts teacher in the Fairfield Public School district in 2002, a position she held for 11 years. In 2013, she became an elementary library media specialist within the Fairfield school district, officials said.
She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and secondary education from James Madison University in 2001, followed by a Master of Arts degree from Fairfield University two years later, in the area of curriculum and instruction. In 2009, she earned an additional certification as a Library Media Specialist PK-12. In 2022, Rizzo earned her sixth year degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Connecticut.
Rizzo also served as president of the Calf Pen Meadow PTA.