The Darien Board of Education appointed DJ Colella as Principal of Hindley School at Tuesday night’s board meeting. The appointment is effective July 1.
Mr. Colella is a graduate of Rutgers University, received a master’s degree in education from Manhattanville College, and a second master’s degree from Bank Street College of Education from their Future School Leadership Academy.
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— This is an announcement from Darien Public Schools.
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Mr. Colella was a 5th grade teacher for ten years, a 6th grade science teacher for five years and has served as the assistant principal at the Somers Middle School in Somers, N.Y. since 2010.
Mr. Colella was one of more than 50 applicants for the position. Dr. Brenner, Superintendent of Schools and the chair of the search committee cited Mr. Colella’s enthusiasm for education, his outstanding interpersonal skills and a passion for being part of a school community as prominent reasons for being the choice as the Hindley principal.
Additionally, Mr. Colella has extensive experience working with social and emotional learning as well as great fluency with 1:1 technology.
A transition plan for Mr. Colella to meet school and community members is being planned at the district level and will be shared prior to the end of the school year.
The district continues to make progress in their search for the Royle Elementary School principal and is hopeful to make an announcement by the end of May.