Press Releases

ACES Welcomes Dr. Zakiyyah Baker as New Principal of ACES Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School

January 22nd, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Hamden, CT –January 19, 2024) Dr. Thomas M. Danehy, Executive Director of ACES is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Zakiyyah Baker as the new Principal of ACES Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School (WIMS). Dr. Baker brings extensive experience and a proven track record in educational leadership. ACES WIMS, Where the Arts Inspire Learning, is a K-8 magnet school in Hamden, CT that serves students from several communities within New Haven County. Students can enroll through the ACES Magnet School Parent Choice program.

Serving as Principal of Kendall Magnet School in Norwalk, Connecticut for the past seven years, Dr. Zakiyyah Baker has been a driving force behind transformative initiatives, including the development of an innovative three-year plan to focus the magnet school on college and career readiness. Her dedication has resulted in the school achieving the highest two-year growth rate in the district between 2017-2019. Prior to that, Dr. Baker demonstrated her leadership as the principal and assistant principal at James Hillhouse High School in New Haven, CT.

Dr. Baker's expertise extends to establishing instructional protocols, facilitating the school's transition from Category 3 to Category 2 status according to the State of Connecticut Next Generation Accountability measures, and organizing structures focused on literacy, leading to the school being named a 2019 School of Distinction in the State of Connecticut.

As ACES WIMS Principal, Dr. Zakiyyah Baker will lead with a steadfast commitment to promoting equity and diversity among students and staff within the magnet school. Drawing on her experience in implementing innovative instructional protocols, she will continue to ensure the success and achievement of all students by maintaining high standards and expectations for academic, social/emotional, and behavioral performance. Dr. Baker's leadership will extend to supporting, leading, and sustaining the innovative magnet program at ACES Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School, fostering an environment where students thrive both academically and creatively. With a focus on collaboration, she will engage with families and stakeholders, responding to diverse needs and interests to foster a positive school culture and climate. As a dedicated educational leader, Dr. Zakiyyah Baker is poised to drive ACES WIMS towards continued excellence and success.

Dr. Baker has a Doctorate of Education and holds the Connecticut Intermediate Administration Certification (092) from the University of Bridgeport, making her well-equipped for the responsibilities of leading Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Zakiyyah Baker as the new Principal of ACES Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School," said Dr. Thomas M. Danehy, Executive Director of ACES. "Her adept implementation of innovative instructional protocols will uphold rigorous academic standards, nurturing a holistic environment where students thrive intellectually and creatively. Dr. Baker's commitment to excellence will fortify and elevate the magnet program at ACES Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School, creating a dynamic space where students are not only educated but inspired. Through collaborative engagement with families and stakeholders, she will sculpt a positive and intellectually stimulating culture, positioning ACES WIMS at the forefront of educational distinction and advancement."

Dr. Baker will officially assume the position of Principal at ACES Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School on February 23, 2024. Her wealth of experience and commitment to academic excellence will contribute significantly to the school's continued success. She resides in Hamden, CT with her husband and five children, two of which attend ACES WIMS. We look forward to the positive impact that Dr. Zakiyyah Baker will bring to ACES Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School, and we are confident that her leadership will further enhance the educational experience for our students. With her dedication to excellence and a strong foundation in educational leadership, Dr. Baker is poised to lead ACES WIMS towards continued excellence and success.

For more information about ACES Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School and Dr. Zakiyyah Baker, click here.

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About ACES:

Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is the regional educational service center for New Haven and parts of Middlesex Counties. Established in 1969, ACES strives each day to fulfill its vision of creating an equitable and socially just world, one life at a time. ACES serves its members districts and others through an ever-growing array of programs, services, and schools that meet the needs of a changing educational landscape. As a school district, ACES operates three magnet and nine special education schools. ACES services range from transportation, professional development, school improvement services, technology, translation, international, security, and occupational and physical therapy. ACES operates the Open and Magnet School Parent Choice programs for New Haven County. Its programs include a federally funded Early Head Start Program and ACES ACCESS, a vocational and life skills program for developmentally and physically disabled adults ages 21 and older. For more information, go to www.aces.org.