Superintendent

Photo of Dr. Nicol
As superintendent of the Ellington Public Schools, Dr. Scott Nicol is proud to co-create with students, teachers, parents, administrators and the community to build a culture of learning that challenges and inspires all students on their personalized educational journey. Before he came to Ellington in 2015, Dr. Nicol served as the Executive Director of Performance Management for the Hartford Public Schools. He has served as a principal for Regional School District #13 (Durham and Middlefield), an assistant principal for the Vernon Public Schools, and a history teacher for Regional School District #8 (Hebron, Andover and Marlborough). A graduate of nearby Rockville High School, Dr. Nicol received his undergraduate degree from Providence College and holds a doctorate degree from the University of Connecticut. Dr. Nicol resides in Portland with his wife, Heather, and two sons, Carson and Reese.

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Right Side Up
December 2017


Dear Ellington Family –

It feels good to reflect, especially during the holiday season. The ebb and flow of life is so interesting.

In December 2016, my holiday message was entitled Running on Empty? With music as my frequent muse, I referenced Jackson Browne's iconic song, Running on Empty:

Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels
I don't know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels
I look around for the friends that I used to turn to, to pull me thru
Looking into their eyes I see they're running too

I have often felt like I was running on fumes. Yet, this past year, something has changed.

I am more at peace with my life. I am blessed with great family, friends and co-workers. Being a dad to my two boys, Carson (11) and Reese (8), and a husband to my wife, Heather (no mention of age here), is an amazing honor.

And, I am privileged to be the Superintendent of the Ellington Public Schools.

What has changed? Why do I feel like my body is fueled and my mind balanced?

I have always been a fan of Jack Johnson. In Upside Down he sings:

I want to turn the whole thing upside down
I'll find the things they say just can't be found
I'll share this love I find with everyone
We'll sing and dance to Mother Nature's Songs
I don't want this feeling to go away

Jack Johnson continues with "as I roll along I begin to find, things aren't always just what they seem."

My lens has evolved. Obstacles are opportunities. The success of one is a success for all. Learning is absent without failure. And, judgment of others is better replaced with empathy and understanding.

With this, I am content and very much looking forward to what comes next.

We all live our lives and co-create with others. We balance our service to self with our service to others. We are educators, parents, citizens, and brothers and sisters of humanity.

We are the Ellington Family and we endeavor to turn the whole thing "right side up."

Best wishes to you and your loved ones during this joyous season.

Regards –

Dr. Scott V. Nicol, Superintendent

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