Welcome from Head of School

Mabuhay! Welcome to the Independent Day School where Fearless Learning happens each and every day! It is an honor and privilege to lead a school that teaches students - from our 3 year-old Beginners to our 8th graders - how to confidently take risks, stretch beyond their comfort zone, and think critically as they participate in joyful learning.

Over the past 63 years, IDS has been a leader in academic excellence and experiential education. What this means is that students are actively engaged in the learning process through inquiry, creativity, and innovation. They ask questions, challenge ideas, create new ways of understanding the world around them, and develop the skills necessary to engage in an ever-changing world.

One of the things I was drawn to at IDS was its commitment and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Every student has a story to tell and we encourage them to speak their truth and to be authentic to who they are. We foster an inclusive environment where difference is celebrated and respected. We engage in difficult conversations that move our community forward in living our values of empathy, compassion, and respect. Now more than ever, we need young people who will challenge bias and stand up for what is right and just. At IDS, we are educating future leaders who will be equipped to solve the global challenges we are facing today.

When you step foot onto our 33-acre campus, you will witness the various ways we are living our mission of “knowing students deeply both as individuals and learners”. Our whole child, student-centered approach enables students to reach their full potential, acknowledging that academic, social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development are interconnected.

It is an exciting time to be joining the IDS community! We welcome you to explore what makes IDS special by scheduling a private visit today.

Warmly,

- Dr. Rochelle Reodica

About Our Head of School

Dr. Rochelle Reodica is the 11th Head of School and first woman of color to lead The Independent Day School. She earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from San Francisco State University, her Masters in Special Education and Social Work from Boston University, and her Bachelors of Science in Therapeutic Recreation and Exercise Science from Ithaca College. With over two decades in education, she has served as a leader in both the public and private sectors including the NYC Board of Education, Sylvan Learning Centers in Manhattan, and various independent schools in New York and California. She has served as a Division Head, Director of Learning Services, Middle School Diversity Coordinator, Grade Dean, Human Development instructor, and learning specialist in PreK-12 schools.

In addition to her leadership in schools, Dr. Reodica has been an active member at the local and national levels and has presented multiple times at the National Association of Independent Schools Annual Conference and the People of Color Conference. She is currently a member of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) Commission on Membership and Accreditation, the accrediting body for CT independent schools.

She grew up on the East Coast (New Jersey and Florida) and enjoys going to the beach, dancing, and traveling with her family. She is a self-proclaimed foodie and loves trying different foods and cuisines. When time permits, she practices yoga and meditation to stay grounded and centered in her work.

115 Laurel Brook Road
Middlefield, CT 06455
Phone: 860-347-7235 | Fax: 860-347-8852
ids@independentdayschool.org