By Sarah Opdahl
The staff of New Fairfield Public Schools met in the new high school’s auditorium in the last
week of August to usher in a new academic year. There were many messages of gratitude
extended to staff and hopes expressed for a successful year ahead. Superintendent Ken Craw
set the stage for a busy year and offered ways for all staff to contribute to the betterment of the
District.
Teacher-of-the-Year Casey Aiezza, who teaches elementary-level physical education,
challenged her colleagues to spread kindness, keeping in mind the teachings of
their colleague Sarah Gelish, who passed away earlier this year. “We need to create habits
around kindness for ourselves and our students,” Aiezza said. She encouraged fellow teachers
to embrace all aspects of their jobs, despite many difficult ones, and she echoed sentiments that
their overall work achieves heroic status.
Aiezza shared stories about perseverance and the importance of making a difference in
children’s lives, even one child’s life. “Now more than ever, these kids need us. We
need to truly connect with our students,” she said, encouraging people to slow down and listen
to students’ stories, look at their drawings, and more.
Craw’s message to the 375 staff members included a recognition of what he has learned in the
last year at the district’s head. He pointed out six areas that he sees as key to the district’s
strength: 1) the perseverance of the staff in its fight to combat budget season
difficulties in the spring; 2) the collaborative spirit shown by all and modeled by the
administration; 3) NF staff does whatever it takes, such as the feat that was undertaken to
ready the field and stands for graduation in June; 4) the innovation that is flowing in all schools;
5) the love of the arts that is evident, even though this is thought of as a sports-focused town;
and, 6) the emphasis on and evidence of warmth, kindness, and heart shown among community
members. He explained that there are ways to contribute to the district’s future through
strategic planning, working toward optimal learning environments, focusing on high-quality
instruction, and continuing to work with an evolving curriculum.
Board of Education Chair Mr. Dominic Cipollone asked teachers to celebrate successes and
watch for opportunities to aid students who may be struggling a bit. “I hope you find the patience
necessary and humor always,” he said, in educating students who are still making their way
back from the pandemic’s disruptions. “Ask yourself if you would want your own child to learn in
your classroom,” he challenged, encouraging them to genuinely connect with students. For his
part, he said he is committed to continuing to strive for an even more cohesive, capable
curriculum that builds on prior learning and ultimately prepares New Fairfield’s students to be
Successful.
Teachers’ Union President and STEAM Teacher Mr. Jeff Guiliano spoke of the position of
educators with gravity, referencing statistics that reinforce the difficulty of the position and
stressing the importance of their role in children’s lives, especially following the
pandemic.
Craw delighted the staff with the introduction of ABCD (Above and Beyond the Call of Duty)
Awards. They were given to Director of Technology Paul Gouveia for his tireless efforts in the
construction and moves; Michelle Collins for a new program in middle school special education
that supports growth in behavioral and emotional strategy building; Kyle Cacciapaglia, Heather Gray-Merrill, Heather Furlong, Alicia Dalton, Vanessa Shay, Gina Coscina, and Tony DiNardo – seven staff members who helped a student with challenges progress; and, the high school’s Head Custodian Jim Hunt for his leadership in the construction and move.