By Sarah Opdahl

Dr. Katherine Blore is overjoyed to be joining the school community as the new Principal at New Fairfield High School (NFHS). Coming from a lengthy career in administration and teaching, Blore is looking forward to familiarizing herself with the lay of the land, joking, “I am much like a freshman at NFHS, excited and eager, yet still have a lot of learning to do!” In fact, much of her focus this year will be “centered around getting to know our students, families, faculty, and community.”

Having taught math at the secondary level for most of her career, Blore says, “I love the energy that comes with working with high schoolers.” Most recently serving as principal at an elementary school, she says that the experience provided universal “insights into best instructional practices and support systems so that all students can flourish.” While working to build relationships and partnerships throughout the community, Blore said, “I will also focus on instructional leadership and continue to support our faculty in bringing the highest quality curriculum to our students each and every day so that they are able to attain our Vision of the Learner standards.”

 A natural educator, Blore says, “We often joke that education is our family business, as I grew up with teachers, paraeducators, and administrators who were incredibly passionate about students and learning.” That love of learning extended to a deep understanding of all aspects of the classroom, and she looks forward to supporting NFHS teachers with that knowledge. To better build relationships with the staff, she  plans to simply be herself, “be transparent, and trustworthy. Relationships are everything. I am a huge fan of the fictional Apple TV show, Ted Lasso. Ted says, ‘be curious, not judgmental’ when it comes to getting to know people, and I definitely lean into these values when it comes to creating community.”

With student engagement a primary focus for the school district’s goals, Blore will join all staff in seeking to support students. Fresh off the community-wide read of The Anxious Generation, she said, for example, “technology dependence is so challenging, for many of us, and so my goal is to support students with a balanced approach to their devices. At NFHS, we have a plan to support students with ethical and thoughtful use of AI, so that they are not letting the technology think for them.” Furthermore, she added, “much like last year, students’ access to their phones will be limited throughout the day so they can focus on learning, and on socializing face to face with their friends while at school.”

Following a busy summer of travel to Ocean City, NJ; Colorado; and Cape Cod with her husband, Bill, and their four children, Blore is enthused to be starting school, “I can’t wait to get started, and meet all of our wonderful students and families. It is already clear to me that NFHS is a wonderful place to learn.” She went on, “I can’t wait to see our students in action, whether it be in classrooms, or in clubs, or on the field. This is what keeps me energized and excited for the year ahead!”

One fun fact about Blore—she loves to read! “I would say that is definitely something to know about me—I am an avid reader—fiction, non-fiction, memoirs. I love them all. Students and faculty will often see me in the learning commons taking out books.” When you meet Blore, let her know what you’ve read and enjoyed recently, she loves “getting recommendations for a great read.”