Suzy Sinatro has been named the principal of Braeburn Elementary School.

Braeburn Elementary School. Photo courtesy of West Hartford Public Schools

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Superintendent Paul Vicinus has announced that following an extensive search process, Suzette “Suzy” Sinatro has been named the next principal of Braeburn Elementary School.

She will take over for Kim Ambroise, who had served as Braeburn’s interim principal since late 2022, following the departure of the former principal, Jeff Sousa, for a superintendent position in New Hartford.

“As we began the formal search process, we knew that Braeburn School is a warm and welcoming place with a tight-knit community and a strong sense of belonging,” Vicinus said in a letter to the Braebrun community on the last day of the 2022-2023 academic year. “Therefore it was important that the search process for its new principal  engaged parents/caregivers, students, and staff in finding a welcoming, compassionate, and highly-skilled leader.”

He said that Sinatro stood out in a highly-competitive field of applicants, “based on her demonstrated leadership, her energy, creativity and passion, her proven partnerships with families/caregivers and her commitment to every child, every day.”

Sinatro, who was a corporate lawyer before realizing her passion for education, has worked in West Hartford Public Schools for 16 years, beginning as a teacher at Whiting Lane Elementary School in 2007. In 2018 she was named curriculum specialist at Whiting Lane.

“While serving in that role, she has worked to promote a safe and welcoming school environment fostering partnerships with the families/caregivers, supporting and mentoring students, and coordinating the schoolwide efforts to enhance and enrich the learning environment such as the PBIS and Safety committees,” Vicinus noted, adding that she has been engaged with numerous curriculum writing and professional development committees related to best practices.

“Whiting Lane’s recent recognition as a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School is due in part to her leadership as a curriculum specialist,” Vicinus said.

During the 2020-2021 academic year, Sinatro served as principal of the WHPS Remote Elementary School, working through the significant challenges and obstacles required to engage with more than 650 students and their families and caregivers. She has also been coordinator for the district’s Summer Connections and the Summer ESOL Prep Programs.

“Suzy’s individualized approaches to reach each and every child, coupled with  longstanding relationships that she has developed, has had a lasting impact on children and families beyond elementary, middle, and high school,” Vicinus said in his message to the Braeburn community.

“I have every confidence in Mrs. Sinatro’s leadership and I am certain she will quickly build strong relationships within Braeburn Elementary and across the community.  Her strong record of performance and outcomes for students, the quality of her character and her outstanding interpersonal skills will enable her to seamlessly integrate into the Braeburn culture.  I am certain you will find her deeply committed to the success of every child,” Vicinus said.

Sinatro plans to meet with children and their families over the summer to build relationships in the community, Vicinus said.

He also expressed his gratitude to Ambroise “for the stewardship of Braeburn School, her strong leadership, and her dedication to both students and staff alike. Kim’s willingness to jump in and provide support is a demonstration of her devotion to the district and this community.”

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