At an engaging Convocation on Wednesday, August 31, New Fairfield’s faculty and staff were repeatedly encouraged, and perhaps inspired, to aim for genuine connections with, and seek out the best in, each other and their students this year. To a person, the speakers had advice for how best to do this and expressed faith in their colleagues.

District Teacher-of-the-Year Ms. Kyle Kressu spoke at length about remembering the basics in social etiquette while teaching and in being an active part of their community, reminding colleagues to “use your words” and “see the strengths in others.” Kressu stressed, “if it’s to be, it’s up to me,” sa ying that “this year has the potential to be your best year, your worst year, or your most ok year… If it’s not working, change what you are doing”, she sai d, going on to say, “this is a district built on relationships, we need to humanize ourselves. It will open minds and hearts.” She said, “What matters most is your presence. And that’s the easiest thing you can possibly give someone is your time and your respect… The bottom lin e is that this job isn’t just about the kids. It’s about the health and well-being and the efficiency of th e environment in which we are teaching.”

Superintendent Dr. Ken Craw’s opening leaned on the importance of every tool in the toolbox. With a literal toolbox in tow, he likened the tools to the skills that are needed in a successful school. He charmed the audience with personal stories about himself and his family and kept them chuckling at points throughout his opening and later address. He said to the four hundred staff members, many of whom were not present over the last two months since he started, “I’ve been walking around campus trying to get to know as many people as possible. Be patient with me in terms of names but I will get there.”

Craw spoke about why he came to New Fairfield and explained that he is excited about the “generational change” that’s occurring, while also valuing the longevity of many staff with roots in town. He sa id that there will be a tether throughout the year to “come back to our theme of building together and moving towards a strategic vision, a strategic plan for the next few years.”

Board of Education Chair Mr. Dominic Cipollone continued with the theme by asking that staff provide students with, “every resource available to help them find the best version of themselves. Help them be happy about who they are. Treat every student the way you would treat your own child or niece or nephew.” He later said, “Our parents place all their trust in our school community each and every single day, hoping their precious children are cared for, protected, respected, engaged, challenged, and supported. Please honor that.”

Teachers’ Union President and Fifth-Grade Teacher Mr. Jeff Guiliano spoke at length about making connections with students, reminding his colleagues that, “They are the reason that we are here,” and that the impressions they make on these students is lasting. The Administrator’s Union President and NFHS Assistant Principal Mr. Scott Rohwedder said, “this year will undoubtedly bring its challenges…but on the other hand, there will be joyful moments, a sense of true accomplishment, and positive surprises along the way.” He asked a thought-provoking question, would your own children “enjoy being in your class?” And then asked, accompanied by much laughter, if they themselves would have enjoyed being in their own class when they were younger, going on to encourage the staff to “continue to develop outstanding learners and foster lasting relationships.”

By Sarah Opdahl