Dr. Sheri Prendergast is Veterans Park Elementary School's New Principal!

Ridgefield Public Schools announced yesterday the appointment of Dr. Sheri Prendergast as the Veterans Park Elementary School Principal. Dr. Prendergast has been the Interim VPES Principal since the start of the school year.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Susie Da Silva writes, “What I think is most telling about Dr. Prendergast’s leadership is that most of us forgot that she was an interim. She took on this role as if she was a permanent principal, and devoted herself to the community, students, and teachers every single day. It has been a gift to be a part of her growing leadership this year.”

Dr. Prendergast commented, “When I started in August as the interim principal at VP, there was a common message that was shared with me during those first few days from students, families, staff, community members, and district administration: VP is such a special place! During my short tenure here, I now understand the meaning behind those simple words. Veterans Park is filled with amazing students, supportive families, and an exceptional staff who truly embodies our school motto, Work Hard Be Kind. I feel honored to officially be part of this community and look forward to all the ways we will continue to provide the students at VP with an outstanding education and warm, enriching elementary years.”

The district made the announcement just after the special Board of Education meeting so all of the elementary principals were on hand to celebrate. “She teaches us things,” commented Assistant Superintendent Cory Gillette. “We are so lucky to have her join the team.” Veterans Park PTA Co-Presidents Meghan Raymond and Meg Whitbeck echo the overwhelming support Sheri enjoys. “Since Dr. Prendergast has joined the VPES community,” they write. “We have seen an uptick in energy, positivity, and involvement from not just Dr. Prendergast but ALL of the staff at VPES. It is a pleasure to work with Dr. Prendergast as we plan and implement enrichment programs, educational activities, and community-building events at VPES. This is a woman who is clearly dedicated to her students, faculty, and staff.”

Before coming to RPS, Dr. Prendergast spent the past eight years in the Danbury Public Schools, where she worked for five years as an assistant principal at Broadview Middle School, including filling in as principal during an unexpected leave. She was the STEM leader in Danbury and taught math in public and magnet schools in New York.

A graduate of Penn State with a Master’s degree from Pace University and an administrator certificate through Manhattan College, Dr. Prendergast has just earned a Doctorate of Education from Western Connecticut State University. She was a Teach for America corps member, selected from over 13,000 applicants to teach in underserved urban schools.