Dear Rye High School Students and Families,

I am honored and excited to introduce myself as the new principal of Rye High School. Throughout the principal selection process, I had the opportunity to speak with dozens of members of the RHS community, including students, families, and staff, and I have been so impressed by the community’s collective commitment to ensuring every RHS student has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. It’s because of this collective commitment that I step into this role feeling a deep sense of responsibility. Rye High School has long been a beacon of academic excellence, and it is my goal to continue building on the school’s strong foundation. 

I am eager to hit the ground learning by meeting with our amazing students, talented educators, engaged parents, and local community members. I come to Rye with 20 years of experience in education working as a social studies teacher, basketball coach, and school administrator in Boston, the Dominican Republic, New York City, and Yonkers. My approach as an educator has always centered around a deep belief in the power of community, building relationships, supporting students, and working and leading from the heart. I am of the belief that all students can learn and thrive when provided with a supportive, inclusive, and engaging environment that nurtures their individual strengths and potential. 

On a personal note, I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area in California and completed my undergraduate and graduate studies at Tufts University. I come from a culturally mixed background–my father is Japanese and my mother is of Russian Jewish ancestry. I am fluent in Spanish and am in the process of learning Japanese. I live in Westchester with my wife and two kids, ages 3 and 16. In addition to enjoying quality time with my family, I like to read, listen to podcasts, exercise, garden, play chess, and dance some salsa and bachata from time to time.

As your principal, I am committed to listening, learning, and leading as we collectively build on the culture and traditions that make Rye High School special. I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming months and hearing your hopes and aspirations for our school. Together, we can make Rye High School an even greater place of learning and growth, where we prepare our students to achieve their dreams and contribute meaningfully to the world. 

Thank you for welcoming me into the Rye community. I am excited about the journey ahead and the opportunities we will create together for our students!

Sincerely,

Andrew Hara, Principal
Rye High School

Mr. Bayer is pleased to be joining the Rye High School community as interim assistant principal after retiring in June from a 33-year career in public education. Most recently, Mr. Bayer served as the principal of Somers High School for the past 12 years. Prior to serving as Principal, he spent five years as a math teacher and then eight years as an assistant principal at Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, NY. He began his career in education teaching math at Arlington High School in LaGrangeville, NY for eight years. As the principal of Somers HS, Mr. Bayer led the school in its successful implementation of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. At Horace Greeley HS, he was one of the founding teachers of the LIFE School - a project-based, rigorous alternative program grounded in community and personalized learning.  

With a rich career spanning more than three decades, Mr. Bayer is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to student growth, his ability to foster positive relationships with students, families, and staff, along with his passion for creating supportive educational environments for all students. 

Christina Cannon joins us with 17 years of experience in Education.

She has worked as a teacher, instructional coach, on a superintendent's team, and as an assistant principal.  Throughout her career, she has focused on the importance of teacher development and support from both the individual teacher and the whole school perspective. As a teacher, she developed and implemented many challenge-based courses which aligned with New York State Standards and current events. As an assistant principal, she has helped to develop and implement professional development based on teacher needs identified through goal-setting and observation data.  She has supported school communities in developing, implementing, and monitoring action plans aimed at increasing student achievement. Christina holds a firm belief in collective efficacy and differentiated teacher development is instrumental in promoting excellence. Christina enjoys running and skiing and lives in northern Westchester with her husband, 6-year-old son, and 3-year-old daughter.  

Eunice Chao-Forest joins us with  over 18 years of experience at public schools in new york city.

Eunice Chao-Forest is excited to join the Rye community with over 18 years of experience at public schools in New York City, most recently at the Bronx Academy of Letters, where she has been Assistant Principal for the past six years. 

Eunice began her career in education as a Teach for America corps member teaching high school chemistry and biology before becoming Resident Principal at Bronx Expeditionary Learning High School as part of a year-long school leadership training program, called New Leaders for New Schools. 

Eunice has a B.A. from Columbia University and an M.S. in Secondary Science Education from Pace University. She also earned a School Building Leader Certificate from Baruch College. Beyond her professional work, Eunice is a competitive tennis player, a former Division I collegiate athlete, and an accomplished concert pianist. She is fluent in Mandarin and proficient in Spanish and lives in Scarsdale with her husband and four children. 

Eunice is deeply committed not only to academic excellence and student success but also to creating a school environment where students feel valued, challenged, and joyful in their learning.

As Supervisor of Secondary Special Education, I am honored to work alongside building administration to continue to enhance our Special Education programs and services!

At the heart of our work is a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment that directly supports the core beliefs and values of The Rye Commitment. 

We believe every student can thrive, regardless of their unique abilities or challenges, and work to create supportive and equitable opportunities for all learners. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the administration, faculty, staff, students, parents/guardians, and the community. Together, we can create an inclusive educational landscape where every student can flourish.

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