Norwalk Educator Named 2025 Middle School Principal Of The Year

Information via Norwalk Public Schools

NORWALK, CT — The Connecticut Association of Schools has named Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy Principal Damon Lewis as the 2025 Middle School Principal of the Year.

According to a news release provided by the district, Lewis became principal of Ponus Ridge in July 2015, previously serving as the middle school's assistant principal for four years.

A seasoned educational leader with a proven track record at Ponus Ridge, Lewis has fostered a collaborative environment that drives academic achievement and continuous improvement, according to the district.

"This award is a testament to your passionate leadership, dedication to student success, ability to inspire and support your staff, and heroic personal investment in your entire school community," Karen Packtor, deputy executive director of CAS, wrote in her announcement letter.

Lewis will now be considered for the National Middle School Principal of the Year Award by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

The CAS will honor him and his fellow principals of the year, one at the elementary and one at the high school level, during a recognition dinner in the fall, according to the district.

Under Lewis' leadership, Ponus Ridge has decreased its chronic absenteeism rate to 8.3 percent from 23 percent, earning the school national media recognition.

According to the district, the number of Hispanic and Black students in the Gifted and Talented program has increased, as well as the number of female students in accelerated math.

District officials also noted Lewis has played an instrumental role in the redesign of the Gifted and Talented program, school counseling, middle schools and STEAM schools.

He sat on the Safety Task Force Committee, the Superintendent Principal Advisory group and the District Strategic Plan Task Force and currently serves as the Black Male Administrators Group Facilitator, according to the district.