New NHS Dean Of Students Is Making The Grade

By Susan Coney

Scott Clayton did not have to travel far to carry out a career goal he had set for himself. The longtime Bethel resident is the new dean of students at Newtown High School.

Mr Clayton, born and raised in Bethel, learned he had been selected for the position while on vacation in August. “It was a wonderful way to end my vacation,” he said.

Mr Clayton, 31, possesses the appropriate job skills and background for the position, filling the shoes of previous Dean of Students Jason Hiruo, who is now assistant principal at the high school.

Mr Clayton is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in history. He went on to receive a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Bridgeport and completed his sixth year in administration at Sacred Heart University.

Mr Clayton has previous, related experience teaching US history in Stamford and social studies at Brookfield High School, and New Fairfield High School and middle school. He has also been involved coaching track and field in many area schools and programs. Mr Clayton also has other educationally related work experience supervising the park and recreation summer program for Topstone Park in Redding. “I worked with high school and college age kids and that was a lot of fun,” he said.

In addition to his educational background, Mr Clayton recently completed an eight-year stint in the Army National Guard. “The army taught me how to make smart, quick decisions under difficult situations. It teaches you how to react in a crisis and how to deal with some really difficult individuals,” Mr Clayton revealed.

A busy man, Mr Clayton is married and has two children. His wife, Caryn, who was formerly a teacher, is enjoying the opportunity to stay home with their young children, who are just 10 months and 3 years of age.

Asked what his hobbies or interests are and Mr Clayton confessed that his love of track and field provides all the outlet he needs. With a busy work schedule and young children, he finds time to train early in the morning prior to beginning his work day. “I train for triathlons. I just completed a half iron man competition which involved a 1.25-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run.”

Mr Clayton admitted that while he loved teaching history and sometimes misses being in the classroom, he was excited to have the opportunity to get into the administration side of education.

“It is a good fit for me. A good introduction into administration. I will have a large part in handling discipline issues, overseeing student activities and clubs, and work closely with the guidance counselors in meeting the needs of different students. In addition I will work with the assistant principals and the principal on issues pertaining to student policies,” Mr Clayton said. “My goal is to develop a good rapport with the students. I have a good opportunity to build a career at a good high school.”

Newtown High School Principal Arlene Gottesman is happy with her new dean of students. “In the short time he has been here Scott has already had to make some tough decisions regarding students and he has shown he has the confidence to do that,” she said, adding “I think he has hit the ground running, getting to know the building and students inside and out.”