We are thrilled to introduce you to Bailey’s new principal, Mrs. Driend, who joins the middle school with a wealth of experience and a passion for education. In this Q&A feature, Principal Driend shares her vision for the future, her commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment, and a little bit about her journey in education. We hope this conversation will help you get to know Principal Driend better as she embarks on this exciting new chapter with our school.
Q: What are you most excited about/looking forward to this school year at your new school
A: I am excited to begin my role as the principal of Bailey Middle School. I am eager to work with the 7th and 8th graders along with the dedicated staff, and I am excited to see what we will achieve together. Building strong partnerships with students, their families, and the community is a priority for me. I am committed to fostering a lasting love of learning that will contribute to each student's academic success while aligning with our district's goals and vision.
I see this as the start of an enriching and fulfilling journey. Bailey offers a wealth of activities—both familiar and new to me—that I am eager to engage with. This includes collaborating with staff to diversify classroom instruction, planning school events, and helping to ensure a variety of sports and clubs are available to enrich the students' school year.
Q: Can you describe your leadership qualities/what you bring to your new school? What can students and staff expect?
A: I am an organized and structured administrator who values strong communication among staff, students, and families. I am deeply committed to fostering a professional learning environment while empowering students to become lifelong learners and active members of the community. Building strong partnerships between home and school is vital to our success, and I am ready to collaborate with the Bailey community.
Alongside the dedicated Bailey staff, I am eager to build a strong rapport with our students, instilling respect, hard work, confidence, and independence. My goal is to positively impact the academic journeys of both students and staff while creating a safe and engaging school environment. My hope is that everyone looks forward to coming to school each day.
Q: Can you provide a brief rundown of your career?
A: I have proudly served the West Haven Board of Education for 23 years, during which I have had the privilege of working across various schools and grade levels, gaining a wealth of experience. My journey began with an internship and student teaching at Seth Haley School, which laid the foundation for my teaching career the following year. I then advanced to teaching sixth grade at Carrigan Middle School, where I had the opportunity to shape young minds during a crucial stage of their education.
My passion for literacy led me to become a Reading Consultant at Thompson Elementary School, where I was able to make a significant impact on students' reading skills. Transitioning into administration, I began as an Assistant Principal at Carrigan Middle School, where I honed my leadership skills. This prepared me for my subsequent roles as Principal at both Savin Rock and Mackrille, where I had the honor of leading dedicated teams and fostering positive school environments. This has brought me to my next opportunity at Bailey Middle School, to which I am enthusiastic and dedicated to beginning this new endeavor.
