About
Taking Care of Self, Taking Care of Others, and Taking Care of Our Community 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.
Chris Geissler — Principal
Mr. Chris Geissler joined the John Read Middle School community as Principal in 2026. He brings more than 25 years of experience in public education, including 18 years as a school administrator. A student-centered leader, Mr. Geissler is committed to building strong relationships, fostering a safe, positive, and inclusive school culture, and helping every student discover and achieve personal success. He believes that collaboration among students, staff, families, and the community is the foundation of a thriving school, and that meaningful relationships inspire learning, growth, and success.
Prior to joining JRMS, Mr. Geissler served as Principal of Middle Gate School in Newtown for 15 years, where he led school improvement efforts focused on enhancing teaching and learning, supporting student well-being, and fostering meaningful family partnerships. Earlier in his career, he served as Assistant Principal at Fairfield Woods Middle School and as a teacher and teacher leader in Fairfield Public Schools. His experience across both elementary and middle school settings has affirmed his belief that strong relationships, meaningful collaboration, and a shared commitment to continuous growth create the conditions for every learner to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally
Mr. Geissler earned a Sixth Year Degree in Educational Leadership from Sacred Heart University, a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Bridgeport, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, magna cum laude, from Sacred Heart University. He is honored to partner with students, staff, families, and the community to continue the tradition of excellence at John Read Middle School while inspiring every student to learn, grow, and succeed.
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.