Cider Mill Principal Goes on Medical Leave, Another Assistant Principal Hired

Virgina Rico, Principal of Cider Mill Elementary School, has taken a leave of absence due to medical concerns, according to a note by Superintendent Dr. Gary Richards. The note was sent home with Cider Mill students yesterday afternoon.

Richards did not specify the reason behind the medical leave.

The letter states that in order to help with adminstrative duties current Cider Mill assistant principals Catherine O’Keefe and Tom Ford will be aided by Bernadette Hess, a former New Canaan Saxe Middle School Assistant Principal.

“Bernadette, a graduate of the University of Richmond, earned a BA in economics and elementary education. She completed coursework in curriculum and instruction at the University of Virginia and received an MA in educational leadership from New York University. She has taught elementary school and served as an Assistant Principal at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York City. I had the pleasure of working with her in New Canaan where she served as an Assistant Principal at Saxe, a 5-8 middle school. I know you will extend a warm welcome to Bernadette as she begins her work at Cider Mill,” wrote Richards.

Hess began working as an acting assistant principal yesterday, according to the letter. 

“We offer our best wishes to Mrs. Rico and look forward to her return in the near future,” wrote Richards.