Greenwich's Western Middle School Asst. Principal Heads to Ridgefield

Western Middle School Assistant Principal Jarret Pepe has resigned, having accepted the position of assistant principal for Ridgefield High School.

Pepe's new appointment is effective July 1. In addition to his position at Western, Pepe has served as the Greenwich Public Schools Social Studies Program Coordinator since 2009.

With his departure, there will be a totally new leadership at Western in the 2013-14 school year. Greenwich resident Gordon Beinstein was appointed earlier this year as the principal for Western. His appointment is effective July 1, replacing Terry Starr-Klein who is retiring. 

In a statement released by Greenwich Public Schools, Pepe said, “I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to work with the students, parents and staff over the last 12 years. Greenwich, quite simply, is an amazing place to teach and learn. I will miss the Western Middle School community and will fondly remember all the smiles, laughs and lessons that I have been fortunate enough to experience as part of this District.”

Greenwich Schools Superintendent Dr. William S. McKersie said, “Mr. Pepe has been an exceptional leader for both Western Middle School and the District as a whole. I will miss his good spirirt. We congratulate him on the opportunity to expand his secondary school experience and wish him all the best in his new position.”

Pepe began his career as a social studies teacher at Western Middle School in 2001. He was promoted to assistant principal at Western Middle School in 2008 and added District Program Coordinator for Social Studies to his responsibilities in 2009. He has been chair of the Western Middle School Data Team and as a member of the District’s Data Team. He recently led the district through a Social Studies Curriculum Review, aligning the curriculum to the new Common Core Standards, and assisted with Western’s implementation of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme.

At Ridgefield High School, Pepe will be joining former Greenwich Assistant School Superintendent Stacey Gross who was appointed the school's principal a year ago.