A New Era Begins at Dodd Middle School

Sitting in his office on Monday during his first day as the new Dodd Middle School, Michael Woods couldn't help but think about the past.

It was a homecoming of sorts for Woods, a former student now turned principal, and the previous assistant middle school principal for the New Canaan school district is looking forward to new challenges and opportunities.

In an interview with the Cheshire Citizen Monday, Woods said he is grateful for the opportunity to join some of his former eductors in shaping youth as the leaders of tomorrow:

"I am very excited,” Woods said, smiling. “I can’t even describe the feeling that goes with the opportunity to give back to the school, the community that gave so much to me."

Let Patch save you time. Get news like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone every day with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

Woods, 38, replaces Jeffrey Solan, who was promoted to the principal’s job at Cheshire High School this year after former principal Kevin Ryan resigned.

School Superintendent Greg Florio said in an interview late last year that Woods emerged as the top candidate after “a very thorough and rigorous search process.”

“He’s been in a very good school for five years so he’s got a very solid foundation that’s going to transfer right to Dodd,” Florio said.

Woods, 38, grew up in Cheshire and is a graduate of both Dodd Middle School and Cheshire High School. He began his career in Madison, where he currently lives, as an eighth-grade social studies teacher before serving as a school administrator for parts of the last eight years.

He did his undergraduate work at Quinnipiac University, where he also earned his Master’s in teaching. He earned his sixth-year certificate in educational leadership from Sacred Heart University.

Make sure to like Cheshire Patch on Facebook and follow on Twitter for breaking news, daily updates and more!