Middletown Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of two new principals for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. After an extensive search and interview process, Ms. Amanda Martinez has been named Principal of Spencer School, and Mr. Orlando Ruiz has been named Principal of Macdonough School.
Ms. Amanda Martinez brings 14 years of educational experience to Spencer School. Her career began in special education, quickly advancing to leadership roles such as SRBI Chair, PPT Chair, and grade level leader. She later served as a first-grade teacher, special education supervisor, and dean of students. Most recently, she was a middle school principal in Hartford for four years.
Ms. Martinez's decision to join Middletown Public Schools was driven by the district's alignment with her professional goals and values. She is excited to lead an elementary school community, returning to her educational roots. Spencer School's commitment to fostering an inclusive and innovative learning environment aligns perfectly with her educational philosophy, which emphasizes nurturing lifelong learners.
As a mother of two young children, ages 6 and 3, Ms. Martinez brings empathy, patience, and organizational skills to her role. She values health and wellness, both personally and professionally, and aims to enhance these aspects within the Spencer School community through movement, mindfulness, and relationship-building initiatives. Her goals for Spencer School include fostering a community of kindness, teamwork, and growth, improving student attendance, and ensuring all students achieve academically, socially, and physically.
Mr. Orlando Ruiz, with 17 years of educational experience, takes on his new role at Macdonough School. He began his career as a first-grade teacher at Walsh Elementary School in Waterbury and then taught first, second, and third-grade English Language Development at Smith Elementary School in New Britain. His administrative experience includes serving as Assistant Principal at Lincoln Elementary School and Pulaski Middle School in New Britain.
Mr. Ruiz values building positive, genuine relationships between staff, students, and families. As a bilingual Latino educational leader, he brings a perspective and skill set that align well with Macdonough's diverse community and educational needs. He is committed to fostering a culture of continuous growth and excellence at Macdonough, where the school community collaboratively strives for improvement in all aspects of education.
His personal life also informs his approach; as a devoted husband and father of two, he understands the importance of family in a child's education and development. Mr. Ruiz has been married to his wife Arleen, also an educator, for 16 years. Their two children are ages 15 and 12.
Middletown Public Schools is confident that both Ms. Martinez and Mr. Ruiz will contribute significantly to the continued success and development of their respective schools. Their appointments mark an exciting new chapter for the district as it prepares for the 2024-2025 school year, bringing fresh perspectives and dedicated leadership to Macdonough and Spencer Schools.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Alberto Vázquez Matos, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are excited to welcome Ms. Martinez and Mr. Ruiz to our district. Their experience and dedication to fostering inclusive and innovative learning environments will undoubtedly enrich our school communities. We look forward to the positive impact they will have on our students, staff, and families."