We are a community of learners. We educate students to be successful in acquiring the knowledge, skills and intellectual virtues needed to become caring, responsible citizens who value learning for a lifetime.

Kimberly Fox Santora — Principal

Mrs. Fox Santora has been proudly serving as principal of Samuel Staples Elementary School since 2004. Prior to this position, she was an assistant principal at Hurlbutt Elementary School in Weston, and before this, she was an elementary school teacher at Long Lots Elementary School in Westport. Mrs. Fox Santora earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Lesley College, a Master of Education in Reading from Boston University, and a Sixth Year Diploma in Education Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University.

Throughout her 30 plus year career in education, Mrs. Fox Santora continues to believe that the business of education is first and foremost a relationship business. The connection between the student and their teacher always matters as does the home-school partnership. Mrs. Fox Santora believes the best results for students happen when staff and families work together, developing happy, imaginative and caring individuals. When students feel connected and recognized, learning is most likely to flourish.

Christina Ulreich-Kean — Assistant Principal

Welcome, Mrs. Ulrich-Kean, to Samuel Staples Elementary School!

The role of assistant principal is very familiar to Mrs. Ulreich-Kean, as she served as Assistant Principal of Ox Ridge Elementary School in Darien for the last nine years. Prior to becoming an administrator, she taught in the Bethel Public Schools in kindergarten, third grade, and as a literacy coach at both the elementary and middle school levels. Mrs. Ulreich-Kean is confident that her varied experiences will allow her to quickly transition to this new role in order to support teaching and learning practices that positively impact student achievement.

Most importantly, Mrs. Ulreich-Kean, believes elementary school should be filled with joy and laughter. Students should feel comfortable asking questions and taking risks. She dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students, staff, and families feel safe, valued, and appreciated.