St. Vincent de Paul School Appoints New Principal

The following is a press release from the  St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School.

The St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School Board of Directors announced today the appointment of Mrs. Cheryl Buonome-Panzo to the position of Principal effective July 1, 2014, succeeding Sister Eugene Guterch. 

Cheryl was the unanimous choice of the Archdiocese of Hartford and the St. Vincent de Paul School Board of Directors. 

She will bring a strong focus to Catholic identity and academic excellence in her leadership.

A graduate of Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. 

She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Mathematics, Science and Technology specializing in Educational Technology from Columbia University Teachers College in New York. 

She is a member and contributor on the Archdiocesan Curriculum Commission, having assisted in reviewing and developing a variety of curriculum. 

She has also presented at numerous national conferences including the Catholic Educators Curriculum Conference and the Computer Using Educators Conference.

For the past eight years, Mrs. Panzo has taught sixth, seventh, and eighth grade Literature, Language Arts, Religion and Science at St. Vincent de Paul School. 

This has given her an intimate understanding of classroom dynamics, as well as superior administrative skills. 

“I am blessed to have been able to teach at this school for the past eight years,” says Mrs. Panzo. “Going forward will focus on honoring each child’s learning style, 21st Century skills, fostering a nurturing safe environment for children, use of data to inform instruction, consistent implementation of newly adopted direct instruction strategies to increase students’ achievement, and providing exciting and challenging enrichment opportunities for all students.”

During her time at St. Vincent de Paul School she has implemented instructional design of a 21st century framework and created a Professional Learning Community for faculty. 

This entailed a standards-based Language Arts curriculum providing differentiated instruction, curriculum writing, and integrated technology to ensure all individual student needs were met. 

She has also served as the school’s Instructional Media/Technology Specialist. 

While in this position she developed, piloted, and integrated the school’s Shared iPad Program, which has become very a successful teaching tool. 

A faith and academic leader in her work, Mrs. Panzo also lives out her spirituality in her personal life as a long time parishioner at St. Vincent de Paul Parish. In addition, her husband and two children are St. Vincent de Paul School alumni. 

“I am very passionate about Catholic education and believe that Catholic Social Teaching integrated in the curriculum develops students who possess skills, knowledge, and values for life,” she says. “Their faith development within Catholic education inspires a community of ethical individuals who make their communities more just through Social Justice and community service projects.”  

Cheryl is also a member of the East Haven Rotary.

In a letter to the St. Vincent de Paul community Mr. Michael Canestri, Co-Chairman of the Advancement Council, stated, “The task of selecting the next Principal of the school is one the Board of Directors has taken most seriously. With our current success in mind, we now look to the future of this blessed school and our most cherished students and families. Cheryl Panzo is a confident administrator and outstanding leader who motivates by example, establishes clear expectations, and provides the necessary support to ensure tasks are completed and objectives met. Cheryl is a consummate professional and a genuine model of Catholic identity, spirituality, and values. We look forward to her visible and influential presence in the school and our community.” 

A formal introduction of the new principal to St. Vincent de Paul families and friends will be on August 25 at the school family orientation. Mrs. Panzo, her family reside in East Haven. 

About St. Vincent de Paul School

St. Vincent de Paul School is a co-ed Catholic elementary school that serves Pre-K4 through eighth grade. Located in East Haven, St. Vincent de Paul School is home to a culturally diverse and actively involved community of familes.

St. Vincent de Paul School is a community where over the past 50 years thousands of parents have found a safe haven for their children. This close-knit community imparts highly individualized and personal attention to each student with limited class size.

This allows teachers to provide a highly individualized education, designed to engage the interests and talents of the children they serve. 

St. Vincent de Paul is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and utilizes a spectrum of proven learning resources combined with exciting state-of-the-art technology tools. 

This creates a challenging, yet nurturing faith-centered classroom environment where every child is valued and encouraged. St. Vincent de Paul School graduates have been accepted to and attend exceptional high schools and colleges.

For more information about St. Vincent de Paul School or to schedule an interview with Principal Cheryl Panzo, please contact cpanzo@stvincent.eduk12.net. 

Please visit the St. Vincent de Paul website for more information http://www.stvincentdepaulschool.org/ and follow them on FB, Twitter, and LinkedIn.