Ahead of conducting its budget business for the evening, the Board of Education highlighted and celebrated Newtown High School music teacher Christopher Lee for his achievements at its meeting on Tuesday, February 2.

Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, introduced Mr Lee and district Director of Music Michelle Hiscavich to the school board, saying very few teachers work beyond the classroom on a national platform like Mr Lee.

"We talk an awful lot about advanced placement [AP] in classes," said Dr Erardi, "and [three] years ago [Mr Lee] was tapped on the shoulder for the role and responsibility [as a] scorer of those throughout the country who are involved in our AP music classes. That is exceptional in itself."

Mr Lee was also recently selected by the College Board, according to the superintendent and Ms Hiscavich, as one of four educators across the country to create the next round of AP music tests.

Ms Hiscavich said the district is fortunate to have Mr Lee as part of the music team.

"He teaches jazz improv classes, music tech courses, writing composition, and music theory," said Ms Hiscavich. "The highest level of learning takes place in [Mr Lee's] classes."

Mr Lee's students, Ms Hiscavich said, are excited to learn in his classroom each day.

"As an active composer [Mr Lee] brings real world experience to our students," Ms Hiscavich said, sharing a number of Mr Lee's professional achievements.

Ms Hiscavich described Mr Lee as a committed teacher who students adore.

"They love his classes," said Ms Hiscavich. "He is calm, he is patient, he is dedicated. He brings our students to their highest level, and it is quite wonderful to watch that in action."