Suffield Board of Education members include Chairperson Maureen Sattan, Vice Chairperson Melissa Finnigan, Secretary Debra Dudack, Brian Fry, James Mol, Gianna Rossi, Michael Sepko, Greg Sparzo and Sam Toskin.
In this article, the Suffield Board of Education shares information about its work supporting school district initiatives, promoting academic success, setting policy and adopting a budget. Please visit https://www.suffield.org/ to learn more about Suffield Public Schools.
Wellness Committee Explores Place-Based Learning
Kids learn best when it’s local. Imagine using the Connecticut River to explore math, or local brook trout to study science. What if students hiked the Metacomet Ridgeline to learn geology or examined Suffield’s agricultural past in social studies? Since early in the 2024–25 school year, the district’s Wellness Committee, which includes two Board of Education members, has been crafting a shared vision to bring this kind of “place-based education” to Suffield.
This approach uses local environments—natural and built—as a springboard for deeper learning. With input from Board of Education members, parents, teachers, and administrators, the district is exploring how this model can enrich student experiences. Early adopters include Spaulding’s first grade team, which studied habitats using Bruce Park and Devine Brook (and thanks to an SFES grant, will soon use trail cameras to observe wildlife). McAlister’s fifth graders also joined in, visiting the wastewater treatment plant after reading Thirst. Also, our composting kindergarteners are leading the way to new enriching learning opportunities for students in Suffield. More to come!
Thank You, Assistant Superintendent Zawawi!
After a long and distinguished career in public education, Suffield Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Michelle Zawawi is retiring at the end of the academic year. Mrs. Zawawi’s retirement marks the conclusion of a 38-year journey devoted to the academic and personal growth of students.
She began her career as a classroom teacher in Massachusetts before moving to Connecticut, where she held numerous administrative positions. In 2018, she was appointed Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in Suffield, a role that positioned her to lead key initiatives in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and comprehensive professional development across the district.
As the district searches for a successor, Mrs. Zawawi’s leadership will continue to shape the path forward for students for years to come. We wish her all the best.
Student Honors
We would like to celebrate the following students for their incredible academic achievements and leadership in Suffield Public Schools:
- Natalie Ho: Suffield High School Class of 2025 Valedictorian
- Heidi Storey: Suffield High School Class of 2025 Salutatorian
- Oliver McCool and Nora Pixton: Suffield Middle School Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Student Leadership Award
- Tryell Khouri and Keila Silva: Suffield High School Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Student Leadership Award
- Natalie Audet: Suffield Middle School Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents Student Recognition Award
- Samantha Ruggieri: Suffield High School Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents Student Recognition Award