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JWMS Principal Duffy Moves On

John Winthrop Middle School (JWMS) Principal William Duffy served his last day in that position on Nov. 20, the day before Thanksgiving break began for Region 4 schools. As reported in October, Duffy announced he would be taking a new opportunity as principal of Avon’s Thompson Brook School, an intermediate grade 5 and 6 school.

According to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ruth Levy, the process to find Duffy’s replacement has begun and prospective candidates will be interviewed starting next week. In the interim, Assistant Principal Peter Foxen, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Kristina Martineau, and Levy will step in to keep John Winthrop running smoothly until a new principal is hired.

Last week, the JWMS community gathered for an assembly to wish the six-plus-year veteran of the district well in his move. Duffy thanked the students and staff for a “wonderful experience.” o

“I am sad to be leaving, but I am excited to start a new chapter of my life,” he said.

He told the Courier, “I do regret that this opportunity has come up mid-year. I would have avoided that if I could have. However, this is a positive thing.”

He continued, “This new position will require a different level of decision making, but I am excited to be working with 5th and 6th graders and I believe that my experience from the 7th and 8th graders I have worked with here at John Winthrop will enable me to help the younger kids I will be working with, because I have knowledge of where they are going next in regard to social and educational growth.”

Duffy will fill a vacancy left at Thompson Brook School when the former principal, Mike Renkawitz, moved up to take the principal position at Avon High School.

In his principal’s blog, Duffy wrote, “As I leave John Winthrop for the last time, I want to express how thankful I am for all of the community support in my 6+ years in R4. I have come to know so many wonderful families and feel fortunate to have played a part in the education and growth of our students. Know that you have a committed, caring, professional staff at JWMS who value the whole child and advocate for each and every one of our students. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served the community and wish you all the best in the future...”