Woodstock names new superintendent
WOODSTOCK — The Woodstock Public Schools Board of Education announced the appointment of Christopher Roche as the district’s new Superintendent of Schools.
Roche comes to Woodstock after dedicating more than 20 years to public education. 
In his current role as Chief of Schools and Performance K–12 in Danbury Public Schools, he is driving district-wide strategic initiatives that have led to record-breaking gains in student achievement. He has worked in schools in Connecticut, Maine, and Texas. 
His leadership has earned numerous awards, including School of Distinction status, national recognition from the U.S. News & World Report, and multiple Gold Star Distinctions in Texas. 
“In selecting Chris, the Board carefully considered the district’s needs along with input from school and community stakeholders,” said Board Chair, Sonia Greene. 
“He has a strong track record as a visionary leader and brings a creative, strategic, and fiscally responsible approach to solving complex problems. Chris displays a deep understanding of learning, a hands-on, ‘roll up his sleeves’ approach, and unwavering commitment to student success. The Board was especially impressed by his positive energy, collaborative style, and ability to build relationships and elevate those with whom he works.”
“I was incredibly impressed by the Woodstock Board of Education. There were very positive conversations and honest and open dialogue. From my perspective, this signified a deep commitment to the district’s success. I immediately felt at home and knew this was the district I wanted to lead,” said Roche.

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Westview names Rutt employee of the month
DAYVILLE — Mike Rutt, DPT is lauded as Westview’s March 2025 Employee of the Month.  Holding a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, he uses his personal passion for running and professional commitment to patient wellness at Westview Sports Medicine. He joined the Westview rehabilitation roster in May 2023
He is a native of Redding, Penn.  While achieving great success and cultivating his commitment to competitive running in his early years, he prioritized academics as he looked ahead to college. UConn offered Rutt the opportunity to try out for their track team—and that promptly motivated his enrollment there given his primary interest in the school’s Kinesiology program.  Sure enough, he made the roster and became a four-time All-American selection as a member of UConn’s Varsity Track & Field Team.  He specialized in the 800-meter distance and placed 2nd among all college competitors during his senior year.  After graduating from UConn and emboldened by his success on the track, he kept running.  He launched a pro racing career; traveling across the country and across the world to challenge the best in his distance discipline.  He finished as 6th in the world at the 2012 Indoor Track World Championship in Istanbul, Turkey,
Retiring from active competition, he looked to spend more time with his growing family.  He served as university track and field coach and then returned to UConn to earn a doctorate in physical therapy in 2023.
He and his wife Katie are the proud parents of Michael Jr. and Kealey.  They enjoy sharing many outdoor activities together like hiking and camping and create meaningful memories on their journeys.  Rutt and his family enjoy traveling. 
Of his award, Rutt said: “I am incredibly appreciative for being selected as Employee of the Month—but I am only as good as the colleagues I work with every day.  I’m lucky to perform with a sports medicine team that provides the best care for patients and clients at Westview.  I could not be the clinician I am today without them!”
Westview Administrator David T. Panteleakos said: “Michael is a great addition to our incredibly talented team of therapists and athletic trainers. He shares his expertise and experiences, step-for-step, in the pursuit of each patient’s progress; and I appreciate how the combination of his background in racing, his devoted education, and his patient-centered perspective provides confidence for those in his care”

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Pomfret School 2024-2025
winter honors announced 
POMFRET — The following local students were named to the winter 2024-2025 honors list at Pomfret School: 
Head of School: 
Seniors: Carson Ames, Pomfret; Fergus Litowitz, Pomfret; Mia McCarter, Pomfret; Chloe Woodard, Pomfret.
Juniors: 
Sean Farrell, Pascoag; William Leary, Pomfret; Delaney Williams, Brooklyn.
Sophomores:
Rowan Lehmann, Putnam; Ella Sousa, N. Grosvenordale.
High Honors
Seniors:
Cole LeBlanc, Pascoag; Matthew McClure, Woodstock; Jessica Stolarek, Pomfret Center; Calvin Wolanin, Pomfret Center.
Juniors:
Gabriela Brown, Woodstock Valley; Mirabelle Cole, Brooklyn; Olivia Crawford, Pomfret Center; Robert Ellsworth, Eastford; Shelby Geragotelis, Brooklyn; Remy Jacquet, Pomfret; Ian Sherman, Brooklyn. 
Sophomores: 
James Lake, Pomfret.
Freshmen: Claire Anderson, Brooklyn; Coco-Lyon Jacquet, Pomfret; Tatum Litowitz, Pomfret; Amber Sherman, Brooklyn.
Honors
Seniors: Audrey Bonaventura, Woodstock; Mila Ganias, Woodstock; Adam Lee, Pomfret Center; James Rice, Pomfret Center.
Juniors:
Anson D’Alleva-Bochain, Pomfret Center; Gabriella Nsubuga, Danielson; Max Ring, Pomfret.
Sophomores: Beatrice Foronda, Putnam; Zinan Zhang, Woodstock.
Freshmen: Greyson Bannister, Woodstock; Max Gerum, Pomfret Center; Camila Stewart, Pomfret; Isabella Weinhardt, Dayville.

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