The first day of school is Thursday, and teachers returned on Monday morning for the annual convocation, staff meetings and to continue preparing for the upcoming year.
Teachers, administrators and staff heard from several speakers, greeted the district’s newest teachers and celebrated those who’d achieved 25 and 30 years of service.
The recurring theme from each convocation speaker was the crucial role teachers play in the lives of students and the need to challenge students and help them achieve to the best of their abilities.
Speakers included Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary, Mayor Dan Champagne, Board of Education Chairman Paul Grabowski, Vernon Teacher of the Year Jennifer Roggi, Vernon Education Association President Peter Borofsky, Assistant Superintendent Robert Testa and Skinner Road School Principal Bryan Kerachsky, who is the Connecticut Association of Schools elementary school principal of the year.
Mayor Champagne, whose wife is a kindergarten teacher at Northeast School, said that when his wife tells him about the challenges she faces some days, it reminds him to be thankful for what all teachers do each day.
“You deal with a lot, and I think since covid it’s gotten even harder,” he said. “But look at the scores across town. Look at the good things happening in our schools. Look at the graduates that we are sending off to some prestigious schools. You’ve got to be proud of what you do, and happy for the results you get.”
Grabowski told the teachers and staff that as a Center Road School parent he is grateful for the hard work and dedication he sees each time he visits the school.
“As I’ve gotten to meet more of you and visit more of our schools, I’ve been thoroughly impressed by the professionalism and talent that I see throughout our school system,” he said. “And I really believe that Vernon is lucky to have each and every one of you.”
He also pledged that the board of education would work hard to make sure they have the resources they need to do their important work, despite any challenges that may lie ahead.
“I’m determined that despite some of the uncertainty and chaos we’re seeing around us, our community is here to support our schools,” Grabowski said. “We’re going to ensure, no matter what, that our children receive an incredible education. We can’t predict what edicts come our way, or how we’ll have to adjust course, but I do know that the board of ed will do everything it can to ensure that both you and our children are supported as we move forward.”
Grabowski said he is proud of what the district has achieved and the direction it is heading in.
Borofsky urged his colleagues to continue doing what they have done to move the Vernon schools forward, such as build connections with students and their families, to be flexible and ready to adapt to change, to allow fun and laughter in their days, to focus on their mental health and to always have a kind word ready for a student or colleague having a tough time.
“The school year is messy, it’s unpredictable, but there are moments that are going to matter for you, for our students, for our colleagues,” he said. “A kind word, a smile, a joke can change everything. And it can really make a difference.”
Kerachsky said that when he came for an interview to Skinner Road School nine years ago, he was immediately struck by the students’ attitudes and their kindness.
“This place is different and it’s because of the kids,” he said. “It’s truly a special place and having been in other districts … you just have to really appreciate what the board of education does, the superintendent, the people around you. That’s not how it is everywhere else.”
Kerachsky said there is a healthy competition among Vernon’s five elementary school principals.
“The best part of that healthy competition is that our kids benefit,” he said. “We’re always pushing each other.” The principals collectively look to each other for inspiration and ideas and learn from each other, he said.
Roggi, the teacher of the year, reminded her colleagues that she is only a Vernon Public Schools teacher, but a parent too. Her boys went through Center Road School, Vernon Center Middle School and Rockville High School. Their experiences prepared them well for college and adulthood, she said.
“I am incredibly proud of my sons.” Roggi said. “But more importantly, I am deeply grateful for their experiences here at Vernon Public Schools. The impact you had on our lives is immeasurable.”
The role teachers and school play in students’ lives cannot be overstated, she said.
“Individually, we may only have them for one or two years, but when you zoom out and look at the bigger picture, we are playing the long game,” Roggi said. “Each and every one of us plays a crucial role in shaping their future.”
Dr. Macary told the staff that being a teacher is a special thing, that not everyone can do it.
“You all have that special fire, that ability to make a difference in the lives of children,” he said.
“When I look out at the 330 teachers here, the 22 administrators, the 114 paraprofessionals, the other 120 support staff, … I see the best and the brightest leading our student and I am thankful for that. The most cherished asset we have is our students. We have those students for 13 years. We’ve got to make the most out of that. Every day we lose is a day we’re not going to get back. We need to make a difference in the lives of children.”