DANBURY, CONN. — A recent graduate of the Educational Doctorate program in Instructional Leadership at Western Connecticut State University, Dr. Helena Nitowski is the principal of “Elementary School of the Year” for 2014-15

Nitowski, a principal in Danbury for 13 years, has been at the helm of the Western Connecticut Academy of International Studies (AIS) since it opened in 2006. The public magnet school has a mission of developing socially responsible global citizens who use technology to access the world. Prior to AIS, Nitowski was the principal of Mill Ridge Intermediate School.

The AIS magnet school, located on property adjacent to the university’s Westside campus, is open to all Danbury students as well as students from area towns through a lottery system. With a theme of International and Global Studies, the school’s 412 students in kindergarten through fifth grade are also taught a foreign language.

Nitowski said she chose to earn a doctorate degree at Western after looking at several online degree programs.

“I preferred programs that had face-to-face time,” Nitowski said. “Also, I really liked the cohort model, which builds on being able to complete things. I enjoyed working with the professors and connecting with other members. It’s a supportive process.”

The Western graduate said the program was a rigorous one that prepared her for looking at the role of leader in terms of instruction, management and goal-setting. It also helped her develop her skills in conducting more quality research with a deeper understanding of the issues.

“I’m looking at things through a different lens now,” Nitowski said. “We are always lifelong learners. In a program such as the Ed.D., you are learning at a higher level and applying at a practical level.”

The K-5 school was selected by the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) as “Elementary School of the Year” for 2014-15. AIS was chosen from a number of Connecticut elementary schools and “clearly distinguished itself as a consummate elementary school,” according to the nonprofit organization.

The school’s international studies theme centers on the concept of peace and the role of peacekeepers in the world. Students start the day reciting the AIS Peace Pledge in both English and Spanish. An emphasis on international studies and world language facilitates critical thinking and broadens mastery of the district curriculum. Students learn about environmental awareness by food composting in their cafeteria, tending to a community garden, bonding with local organizations and recycling.

The criteria used to evaluate the school included whether the school was welcoming to students and visitors, and whether the school had an appropriately developed and research-based curriculum. Other items rated included whether technology at the school supported instruction.

Most importantly, as indicated in the CAS award, the AIS magnet school is centered on the students, not the teachers, and provides a learning environment that supports instruction and encourages higher-order thinking skills.

CAS is a nonprofit educational organization. An informed leader in Connecticut’s education system, CAS provides services to the state’s K-12 schools in areas ranging from academics to athletics. The association represents more than 1,100 schools in the state.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.