Scofield Magnet Middle School
641 Scofieldtown Road
Stamford, CT 06903
(203) 977-2750 / Fax (203) 977-2766
www.magnetmiddle.org
Mr. Scott Clayton
Principal
Ms. Donna Gardner
Assistant Principal
July 9, 2012
Dear Parents,
My name is Scott Clayton and I am the new Principal for Scofield Magnet Middle School. I hope the
summer weather finds you well. Scofield has been blessed with some great leaders since it began at
Rippowam and I am humbled to lead this great school. Prior to my current role, I was a U.S. History and
Government teacher with the Stamford Public Schools at both Rippowam and Scofield. I was a track and
field coach at Westhill High School, served in the United States Army and completed a full 140.6 mile
“IronMan” triathlon. I left Scofield in 2005 and since then I have been a high school assistant principal in a
school with nearly 1,800 students. Returning to Scofield as the Principal is a dream come true for me. My
work in education reflects what I believe to be my patriotic duty to serve our nation. It is my personal
belief that quality schools will keep our students competitive in a global economy.
In my view, the most pressing issue facing middle school students is the changing nature of their social,
physical and emotional needs. This is a fact of life and will not change with any shifting tide or pendulum
swing in the increasing demands for educators to solve complex problems. Although middle school
students might not be aware of these challenges, I believe it is the responsibility of parents and educators to
help them navigate any and all challenges. However, this is a tough balance between parental
responsibility and the scope of a teacher’s duties as a professional educator. Middle school students are
developing who they are, what they believe in and in some cases dealing with pressures of “what do you
want to be when you grow up.” This is often overwhelming for the thought process of a middle school
student. Guiding this development is a challenge of a middle school teacher. It is important that parents
and teachers are partners in this process.
It is my belief that the transition between middle and high school is like a hand off in a 4 X 100 relay race.
The starting line represents the day your child begins school. You are right there to see them off as they
begin. The first handoff in turn #1 is from elementary to middle school. The exchange is relatively easy
from a turn into a straightaway. Handoff #2, middle to high school is the most difficult. First, the actual
handoff occurs on a turn. This turn represents the unique nature of being an adolescent. Learning to
navigate this turn at full speed while handing off the baton requires a great deal of practice, skill and focus.
Second, the handoff is far away from the comfort of the starting line. With the summer Olympics coming
up, the 4 X 100 is one of the most exciting races to watch. I encourage everyone to watch.
Finally, I am open to your questions, concerns and observations. I have four children of my own and I
advocate for them in the same manner that you do for yours. A personal goal of mine is to provide a
rigorous and engaging academic curriculum in which your children will shine if they work hard. Please do
not hesitate to contact me with any questions. I look forward to the upcoming school year.
Regards,
Scott Clayton
Principal