On Thursday, May 26, New Fairfield Public School staff met to commemorate the end of the school year. The event was an opportunity to issue awards, recognize retirees, and for colleagues to mingle. Superintendent Dr. Pat Cosentino was the district representative who announced that Ms. Kyle Kressu, New Fairfield High School Special Education Teacher, was chosen as the district’s Teacher of the Year.
Kressu received resounding applause and a standing ovation. Mr. Owen Lucas, representing the teachers’ union, gave a heartfelt tribute to Kressu, saying “I see her kids every week going around the school. For some of them life has been difficult in the time before they met…Now, she makes them feel like they have a role in the community to play and that every single one of them has something unique that no one else in the world can contribute. And when they are being spoken to by her, they feel like the most important person in the whole world and that requires a great deal of sacrifice and commitment from her.” Lucas went on to say, “Everybody who knows Kyle sees that. So, as your colleague, I just want to say you have meant a lot to me and everybody at New Fairfield High School. I hope that you will continue to have that impact for a long time to come.” Paraprofessional Ms. Laura Miley, who works closely with Kressu, agreed. She said Kressu is “the kind of teacher everyone should aspire to be…we teach them [the students] skills that help them be successful in the real world and grow to be better people and it’s because of Kyle.”
Kressu will be joined by Paraprofessional of the Year Ms. Diane Rambadt in competing at the state level. State Representative Mr. Patrick Callahan said of paraprofessionals, “We thank you for your commitment to your students, teachers, and other faculty. You continue to be an unsung hero to so many students.” Meeting House Hill School Principal Mr. James Mandracchia said of Rambadt, “we are so grateful for her passion and dedication to the kids in New Fairfield. It’s an honor to work with someone who has such a zest for life and a desire to help others.”
Cosentino profusely thanked all staff in her remarks, reminding them that “we are a profession that is respected, appreciated, and deserves all the accolades that we get on a daily basis.” She said that it was ”starting to sink in” that she is leaving the district, but she joked “I’m 62, I’m old… but I leave New Fairfield in very good hands.” Assistant Superintendent Ms. Julie Luby gave a speech that was laced with Yogi Berra quotes, noting that Cosentino often quoted him in her time in the district. Given the many shifts in administration, Cosentino acknowledged that “I know there are still a lot of questions about who’s going to be in what position” but she feels confident that the staff will succeed regardless. She joked that she looks “forward to hearing about all the successes. One of the good things about me going to Sherman is we’ll share the same newspaper. So, I’ll hear about you, you’ll hear about me and I’m always just a phone call away.”
The Spirit of New Fairfield Award went to New Fairfield Middle School Principal Ms. Christine Baldelli, who will soon retire. Cosentino said the award is given to someone who “has high energy and determination to always do the best job and is always looking to do what’s best for students…what’s right for New Fairfield and the community.”
Many other long-serving faculty and staff retirees were announced, and multiple service awards were issued to staff who have been in the district for at least 5 years or a series of 5-year increments.
Cosentino thanked everyone for their contributions this year, especially given the continued upheaval of the pandemic.
By Sarah Opdahl