The Woodstock Academy honors Teacher and Staff People of the Year; Associate Head Holly Singleton announces retirement

At its Oct. 21 meeting, The Woodstock Academy Board of Trustees recognized faculty and staff awardees and received academic performance updates from administrators.

Associate Head of School Holly Singleton described the qualities that led to selecting Eric Collello as Teacher of the Year and Matthew Danis and Eric Davidson as Staff Person(s) of the Year. Head of School Larry Filippelli presented commemorative gifts on behalf of the board. The three honorees exited the meeting at 7:05 p.m.

Singleton also provided notice of her retirement after 27 years of service, which was included among the packet correspondence highlighted by Filippelli.

Dean of Academics Dr. Michael Harten delivered the annual academic report, saying the class of 2025 achieved a 100% graduation rate, that chronic absenteeism rates are falling, and that the school recorded its highest AP testing scores. Harten said district academic goals for 2025–26 will emphasize artificial intelligence and critical thinking.

Associate Head for External Affairs Jon Sturdevant described outreach and advancement activities, noting the school’s Annual Giving Day is scheduled for Oct. 28, 2025 with a goal of attracting 225 donors and that events will include live radio interviews and a Give and Graze reception in Pomfret from 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Also noted were recent alumni events (including the naming of the Morgan Gymnasium on South Campus) and a list of student and faculty achievements supplied in the packet.

The board did not take formal personnel action during the meeting; retirement notice was included in correspondence for future personnel follow-up.