After what I hope was a relaxing and enjoyable summer for the entire community, the schools are now fully engaged in teaching and learning for students and staff. Starting the school year is always an exciting event whether you are a student or staff member, a first year teacher or a veteran educator, like me. On August 31, approximately 2300 students walked through our school doors anticipating a year of discovery and learning. As a second year Superintendent in Suffield, I am particularly eager to continue our journey of continuous improvement this year as we provide new and enhanced supports to teachers and staff, create teacher-led professional learning communities, and improve outcomes for students through a focused District Improvement Plan and School Improvement Plans.
At our August 26 convocation for all employees we recognized two of our educational superstars. Megan McCoy, a paraprofessional at Suffield Middle School, is our 2017 Suffield Paraeducator of the Year. Megan is highly respected throughout the Suffield Public Schools for her dedication to children, professionalism, and strong work ethic. Mr. Pearce, principal of Suffield Middle School, wrote: “Megan has distinguished herself in Suffield by her conscientious student-centered focus. She is positive, focused and an absolute joy to work with.”
Cynthia Pfaff, social studies teacher at Suffield Middle, is our 2017 Suffield Teacher of the Year. Cynthia personifies the label “exemplary teacher”. She is best described by those who work with her as a person who:
• Consistently speaks professionally to and with colleagues,
• Thoroughly conveys ideas, strategies and challenges to students,
• Effectively and respectfully teaches you,
• Creatively contributes to growth mindsets,
• Passionately inspires anyone fortunate enough to happen by,
• Enthusiastically cheers everyone forward and
• Maintains an upbeat and fun outlook wherever they happen to be…
I am honored to be supporting Cynthia and Megan within the selection process of Connecticut Teacher of the Year and Connecticut Paraprofessional of the Year.
Teacher quality is the number one reason why students succeed. We are blessed in Suffield with dedicated teachers and wonderful families. I am placing my bets that all student outcomes will continuously improve in Suffield as we focus on instructional practices and provide supports and professional development to teachers while listening to their creative ideas and solutions.
Thirty-three faculty members were welcomed to the Suffield Public Schools at convocation and they are an impressive group who are passionate about teaching and learning and steeped in successful teaching methods and techniques. They include our new Director of Special Services, Natalie Donais; A. Ward Spaulding Assistant Principal, Ramsey Binnington; secondary curriculum leaders Steve Autieri and Tim Kinel; technology integrationist Richard Lane; elementary instructional coaches, Erin Grasso and Jessica Marzi; six teachers at A. Ward Spaulding Elementary; ten teachers at McAlister Intermediate; one school psychologist K-5, one teacher at Suffield Middle School, six teachers at Suffield High School, and two school nurses.
This is an exciting time to be an educator. We are preparing students for the unknown world of tomorrow as our current world is changing rapidly. While at times the changes seem daunting, I am confident in our families, district leadership, our talented faculty and staff and our organization’s motivation to provide Suffield students with the best opportunity for success in the future.
Wishing all a positive and bright beginning to the 2016 school year.