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10/16/2018 12:00 AMWhat is a loss for John Winthrop Middle School is a gain for Thompson Brook School in Avon Connecticut. Principal William Duffy, who has been at John Winthrop for the past six years, has taken a position in Avon as principal of Thompson Brook School, which is an intermediate grade 5 and 6 school.
John Winthrop Middle School parents and students learned the news of Duffy’s resignation via an email sent by him on Oct. 11, after 8 p.m. The email stated that it was with mixed emotions that he would be taking a new opportunity as principal of Thompson Brook School.
Duffy wrote that he will be working with Region 4 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ruth Levy to ensure that this mid-year transition will be seamless for students, family, and staff and that, at this time, there has been no decision regarding his replacement.
Duffy’s letter continued, “John Winthrop Middle School is a wonderful school with a professional, caring, committed staff within a supportive community. I have grown tremendously during my time here and will take and share these lessons in my new position. Most of all, I have enjoyed getting to know our students and families and working together as they grow and learn. I feel fortunate to have served the Tri-Town community for over six years.”
Students at John Winthrop were informed of Duffy’s news on the morning of Oct. 15.
“We wish Mr. Duffy all the best in his new position and we are currently developing a plan for a smooth transition to fill his position,” Levy said.
Duffy will be filling a vacancy left at Thompson Brook School, when the former principal, Mike Renkawitz, moved up to take the principal position at Avon High School. Renkawitz had served as the principal at Thompson Brook for the past four years.
Avon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bridget Carnemolla wrote to Avon parents regarding Duffy heading the school staff, stating, “During [Duff’s] tenure, the school was awarded the New England League of Middle Schools Spotlight Award for education excellence and best practices, in addition to the implementation of a one-to-one technology program, workshop model, and inquiry-based instructional strategies. He has also served as assistant principal at Smith Middle School in Glastonbury, which was named a National Blue Ribbon School, and where he received the Connecticut Association of Schools Thomas Flanagan Memorial Award for creation of a school-based leadership program. As Mr. Duffy reiterated to us, his classroom experiences—teaching grades 6 through 8 in both English and mathematics, as well as business education early in his career in Rocky Hill Public Schools—are still his most cherished time in education, and never far from his mind in his decisions and actions.”
Duffy could not be reached for comment at press time.