Press Releases

ACES Welcomes James P. Nichols as New Assistant Principal of ACES Village School

January 29th, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Hamden, CT – January 26, 2024) Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) proudly announces the appointment of James P. Nichols as the new Assistant Principal of ACES Village School, effective February 9, 2024. With a distinguished career in special education leadership, Mr. Nichols brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to being an impactful leader in education.

Mr. Nichols has served as the Principal at Joshua Center Clinical Day School in Old Saybrook, displaying his proficiency in special education leadership and the coordination of services. His role as Supervisor of Special Education: Secondary Level at Derby Public Schools, Derby, CT, further underscores his expertise in teacher evaluation, Response to Intervention, professional development, and district-level data management.

Mr. Nichols holds a Sixth Year Degree in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University, complementing his Master of Science in Special Education and Comprehensive Special Education Certification from Central Connecticut State University. His educational journey also includes a Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University.

As a certified school administrator and a holder of the Connecticut Special Education Comprehensive K-12 (165) and Intermediate Administration and Supervision (092) certifications, James Nichols is well prepared to assume the role of Assistant Principal at ACES Village School.

“James Nichols' extensive experience in special education leadership and his commitment to professional development align perfectly with ACES Village School's mission,” said Dr. Thomas Danehy, Executive Director of ACES. “We believe he will contribute significantly to the success and growth of our school.”

In his new role as Assistant Principal, James Nichols will draw upon his skills in coordinating professional learning communities, implementing differentiation strategies. His comprehensive understanding of district and state-level data management will further enhance the school's focus on continuous improvement.

ACES Village School is confident that James Nichols' leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing the school's commitment to delivering exceptional education and support to its special needs student population.

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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 eight 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.