Taking Care of Self, Taking Care of Others, and Taking Care of This Place is much more than a gimmicky slogan. These words guide all relationships and actions at JRMS. This means that we, students, staff, and teachers, commit to being the best we can be each day. We treat each other with kindness. We respect others, even those with whom we disagree. We stand up for others when we see a need. We commit to keeping our school clean, safe, and filled with joy.

Mary Shelley wrote, “The beginning is always today.” Shelley’s words serve to illuminate our approach to teaching and learning. Each day opens new opportunities for students, teachers, and the larger community to dream, create, innovate, wonder, build relationships, and make a positive difference in our school and community.

Jennifer Desmarais — Principal

Our principal, Ms. Jennifer Desmarais, rejoined the John Read family in July of 2022, having started her career in 1989 teaching social studies to eighth graders in Room 209. After ten years of teaching social studies and Project Adventure at JRMS, she moved to Joel Barlow High School to teach history and social studies. While at Barlow, she coached various teams ranging from field hockey to mock trial and Model United Nations. She filled several leadership positions at Barlow, including Humanities Chair and Assistant Principal. Ms. Desmarais is a proud alumna of Mount Holyoke College. She earned a Master’s in Graduate Liberal Studies from Wesleyan University and her Sixth Year Certificate from the University of Connecticut. She continues to be an active member of Red Sox Nation and can be found following her beloved Huskies both in and out of season.

Kyla Dunn — Assistant Principal

Ms. Kyla Dunn, assistant principal, joined the JRMS family in August 2022. Kyla began her career in education in 2003 as a career change. She first served as a middle school teacher for Boston Public Schools. She worked for a number of years with Washington DC Public Schools as a math teacher, a K-8 instructional coach, and curriculum developer. She implemented formative assessment practices throughout twenty-four districts with the Maryland State Department of Education. Before joining JRMS, Kyla held the position of assistant principal in Bridgeport Public Schools. She received her Masters in Urban Elementary Education from Simmons College in Boston, MA. She went on to receive her 092 certification and second Masters in social, emotional, & academic learning for social justice leadership from Sacred Heart University.

Jennifer Hankla — Supervisor of Special Services

Mrs. Jennifer Hankla, Supervisor of Special Services, joined the team in Redding in 2019. She has been an educator for over 30 years, starting as a first grade teacher in Plano, Texas. Upon moving to Connecticut in 1998, she taught at Branchville Elementary School in Ridgefield for 16 years before being named Assistant Principal of Hill and Plain Elementary School and Sarah Noble Intermediate School in New Milford in 2014. Mrs. Hankla graduated from the College of William and Mary in Virginia in 1993 with a double major in Theater and Speech and Elementary Education. She received her Masters in Education from the University of North Texas with a concentration in Reading and English. Once in Connecticut, she earned her certification in Remedial Reading from Albertus Magnus College in New Haven and her Intermediate Administrator certification from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield. When she isn’t working, Mrs. Hankla can be found gardening, playing with her children and dogs, or performing in community theater.