Fraser Woods Montessori School will welcome a new head of school, starting July 1.

David Newman, who is currently the interim head of school at Washington Montessori School and lives with his family in Ridgefield, will take the helm of Fraser Woods Montessori School from Interim Head of School Gina Tryforos.

From his experiences with the Fraser Woods Montessori School community so far, Newman said it is “a warm, welcoming community with inspiring teachers and dedicated parents. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity.”

Newman said this is his 30th year in education, and he has worked in independent schools throughout his career. Newtown’s Fraser Woods Montessori School first came on his radar when he was working at Wooster School in Danbury, where he met a number of graduates from the 173 South Main Street, Newtown, school. He also visited Fraser Woods Montessori School a number of times throughout the years.

Tryforos has been the interim head of school since August 2020. Chris Robertson was the head of school before Tryforos was named head of school.

Leading the school since 2020, Tryforos reflected, has been a roller coaster. From returning to the school in person, designing a reopening plan, and more, she said there was one curve ball after another.

Tryforos was previously the school’s student support coordinator and dean of faculty, and she will stay on at the school when Newman begins as head of school. Tryforos said her role at the school has always been one of support for the head of school, and having had that position for almost two years, she will now approach her job from a completely different perspective.

“I’m so grateful for having had this experience,” said Tryforos.

Reflecting that Newman also steered a Montessori School through the pandemic, Tryforos said, “He knows how to lead in a very turbulent time, and he knows how to lead and work with a Montessori community.”

Tryforos believes Newman will lead the school “to offer a top-notch Montessori experience to the children of Newtown and surrounding areas.”

Fraser Woods Montessori School is in a good position now, Tryforos said, adding that she is hoping to bring back some school traditions that were shelved due to COVID-19 before the end of the school year.

“That will be my goal from now until June,” said Tryforos.

And when July comes, Newman will begin his time at Fraser Woods Montessori School, officially.

Newman said he believes the school has a lot to give to the broader Newtown community, like that it is creating thoughtful, resilient students who will leave the school with a love for learning and the motivation to be their best selves.

“Our teachers are excellent professionals, masters of their craft,” Newman said.

Montessori schools, Newman shared, create a structured environment in which students can learn at difference paces, allowing the teachers to meet the students where they are in the moment and push them to hone their learning skills.

“What Montessori does for kids is what I believe education should be,” said Newman. He added later, “It really nurtures a love for learning and a motivation to learn.”

He is looking forward to getting to know Newtown more and Newman has started to get to know parents and other members of the Fraser Woods Montessori School community. He said he is looking forward to a “great journey together.”

“I’m really excited,” said Newman.

Education Editor Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.