In Appreciation Of

Newtown Schools

To the Editor:

In honor of Staff Appreciation Week, in the area of education, I felt compelled to write a letter of praise and gratitude. As of this year, all six of my children are in the Newtown school system, from the Nurtury, nursery school program, all the way up through the high school. Needless to say, we have many years of experience under our belts.

When my husband and I were hunting for our first house we knew we wanted to live in Newtown even though it meant that my husband would have to commute the hour or more necessary to get to his clients in the Greenwich area. There were many things involved in the decision process, but the thing that tipped the scales was the school system. So that you don’t think that I’m Little Mary Sunshine or looking through some really foggy “rose-colored glasses” when it comes to the schools, let me say that we’ve had a few bumps in the road along the way. However, our overall experience with the school system over the years has been outstanding. I have the opportunity to be around moms and kids from many of the surrounding towns on a regular basis. As we trade stories of our experiences and the kids’ educations I have to say that I usually get to puff up my chest and brag about what we’ve been through.

Every year for the two weeks before school starts I have nausea. I don’t want to have to give my kids up to school again. I want to be able to keep them home with me. The only thing that makes this easier is knowing that they’re going to be cared for by the staff and teachers at school. I am blessed with peace of mind knowing that my children start the day in the hands of the Newtown bus drivers. We’ve had some fabulous drivers over the years and I know that they are safe and carefree going to and from school in the hands of our neighbors and not some unknown person who works for a big emotionally disconnected company. Needless to say, my praise goes out to the teachers and administration, but at the same time, we truly have outstanding office and custodial staff members. Our buildings look beautiful and when you consider what goes into running a school, things really do run smoothly and efficiently!

I wouldn’t venture to thank by name those of you who have touched our lives over the years because I’m afraid I would inadvertently leave someone out and the list would go on for pages. I will say that I have enjoyed getting to know all of you from Sandy Hook School right up through the high school. I appreciate the fact that you’ve made my children feel special and helped them to become such fabulous learners with all that you’ve done. Thank you for helping me to raise my children and give them as near a perfect childhood as possible.

With gratitude and respect,

Allison Koziol & Family

38 Great Ring Road, Sandy Hook                                      May 4, 2009