Principal/Assistant Superintendent
Troy Hopkins
Please contact me at 860 429-6419, or thopkins@ashfordct.org Main page: www.ashfordct.org
Please join me for “Talks with Troy”. Have a cup of coffee and engage in informal conversation about Ashford School or educational in general at 7:45 a.m. Scheduled annually, please see school calendar on the main page!
I am very fortunate to have served as principal of Ashford School since 2012!
After my growing up in Rhode Island, I attended the University of Connecticut and upon graduation taught at a private, residential school in Connecticut that served students with significant emotional needs. Next, I spent 14 years teaching science and coaching at Harwich High School, on Cape Cod, MA. During that time, I earned a Master of Arts in Teaching at Bridgewater State College and a second Masters in Educational Leadership at Salem State College. I then moved to Connecticut and served as administrator to students in grades 3 -12, in three Coventry Schools. Just as I was completing UCONN’s Executive Leadership program, I was hired as principal of Ashford School.
Every person, child and adult, has strengths that should be nurtured and shared with others as we all learn from one another. I am a strong advocate for the arts, sports, and other learning opportunities, as they enable students to develop into interesting, unique people who gain confidence to take on challenges in other areas. As a runner and trumpet player, I have personal experience with the importance of these life-enriching activities.
Working with parents and community members has always been a high point in my career. Parents know their children best and therefore working together is the best way to support their education. If you have any questions or concerns, or would just like to meet, please do not hesitate to email me at thopkins@ashfordct.org.
What is Ashford School about?
Vision - Empowered Learners Striving for Positive Change
Mission - Ashford School learners engage in authentic EXPERIENCES to DISCOVER their passions, STRIVE for excellence, CONNECT with their community and the world, and CONTRIBUTE in positive and meaningful ways.
2020-2021: Ashford School Goals:
Goal #1: Engage in rigorous real-world, student-centered learning
Continue to implement student-centered learning practices, including project-based learning, Habits of Mind, workshop model of instruction, centers, stations, and self-reflection. Through interdisciplinary (STEAM) themes, students will make real world connections and learn key knowledge, understandings, and skills from each subject area.
Goal #2: Support the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of the Ashford School community
Teach and model wellness through age-appropriate self-care, personal-regulation, healthy habits, stress management, peer- and self-advocacy, and positive community engagement.
Goal #3: Cultivate respectful, responsible, and capable citizens
Partner with families in preparing students academically, socially, and personally for life now and beyond Ashford School. Collaborate with local, state, and global communities through service-learning, community participation, and educational partnerships, in order to cultivate students’ responsibility and citizenship.
Goal #4: Celebrate students
Maintain a consistent school-wide positive behavior intervention system. Ensure that all students are regularly recognized for positive choices by all staff throughout the school building and school day, in order to promote intrinsic motivation in students.
Traffic control gear! Thank you PTO!
One:One laptop initiative!
Brownstone building built from summer reading bricks!