Seven years ago, Anna Mahon took on the responsibility of becoming the Amity High School Principal. She has been a wonderful friend to me throughout this time. Most notably during the Graduation ceremonies when I had tons of equipment to carry and needed to get earlier access to the running track in order to set up. Especially in 2019 after I suffered a debilitating leg injury the night before graduation — I could hardly move and needed a close parking space from which to unload my equipment.
No matter what the occasion, Anna always had a smile and warm greeting for me. She is one-of-a-kind.
Big News
This morning, Anna handed the Superintendent her resignation and E-mailed Amit parents a letter announcing her intentions.
First, the letter of resignation:
Dear Dr. Byars,
After 22 years as an employee of Amity Regional School District #5, I am writing to you to formally resign from my position as principal of Amity Regional High School. I have been honored to be a part of such an amazing school community and to have been able to work with some of the best professional educators in Connecticut. Amity is a place that is and always will be near and dear to my heart. However, the time and opportunity have come for me to move to a new school district so I may continue to grow as an educational leader.
I began my career at Amity in the fall of 2000, after serving as an English Teacher at Darien High School in the Alternative Learning Program from 1997-1999, and then as a classroom teacher at my alma mater, Stamford High School, for the 1999-2000 school year. I have been able to be a part of Amity’s evolution and growth over more than two decades, during an
organizational redesign into formal middle and high school models as well as the remodeling of the current high school building. I have built lasting relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. I am immensely proud of the work that has been accomplished.
Amity Regional School District #5 is a special place. Being the principal of the high school for the past seven years has been the best job I have ever had. I love this community and am excited to continue to do anything I can to assist in my role as ARHS parent to support the continued growth and development of the district. My final day of employment with the district will be on July 31st, 2022. Thank you for your support, mentorship, and empathy over these past years. I will miss you and everyone at Amity, but I am confident the work we have accomplished together will be a strong foundation upon which a wonderful future will be built.
Sincerely,
Anna N. Mahon
Letter to Amity Families:
Dear Families,
This morning I made the announcement to the students, staff, and faculty that I have accepted the position of Assistant Superintendent of Brookfield Schools, effective August 1st. In addition, I sent this letter of resignation to Superintendent Byars this morning.
I have been here for 22 out of my 25 years as a professional educator. I have grown up as an educator here and Amity Regional High School has been my home. I now have an opportunity to learn and grow in a different position in a different community. I remain committed to being an active member of this school and community, but my role will now shift.
The search for the new principal will begin in the coming weeks in order for everything to be in place before the start of next school year. I will continue to be the ARHS principal through the end of July. It has been an honor to serve the BOW for the past 2 decades.
Sincerely,
Anna Mahon
In response, Dr. Byers wrote this:
The Amity Regional School District will clearly miss Dr. Anna Mahon – her leadership, her passion for education, her devotion to this community, and most especially, her clear focus on putting students first. She has been a tremendous leader through a tumultuous period in education and has truly kept the high school moving in a positive direction. While it is a loss for our 3 towns, she is going to be an incredible Assistant Superintendent for the Brookfield School District and I look forward to seeing what she can accomplish in a district leadership position in a PreK-12 school district.
The search process for the next Principal of Amity Regional High School will begin immediately and will involved multiple stakeholders from our school community.
Jennifer P. Byars, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Amity Regional School District 5