NOTE (June 9, 2022): Due to incorrect information supplied to The Newtown Bee for this feature, there were two errors in the description of some of Jennifer Padilla’s volunteer work. Those errors have been corrected.

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The Board of Education recently honored 13 people with Profiles in Professionalism honors and recognized one staff member for her recent Weller Award.

The annual Celebration of Excellence opened the May 17 BOE meeting. It was conducted in the library of Reed Intermediate School in front of an audience that initially included dozens of people. Many of the honorees were joined by family members, friends, students, and fellow colleagues.

Superintendent of Schools Dr Lorrie Rodrigue explained that district staff members, leaders, and parents were being recognized with a Profile in Professionalism honor “because they have made a difference in the lives of others.”

Rodrigue said that when the Profiles in Professionalism were originally developed “the intent was simple: open up an opportunity for staff and parents to recognize members of our school system who they feel have made a difference.

“There was no stringent criteria, or checklist of qualifications, nor was there any prerequisite of time served as an employee or as a parent volunteer, just simply a recognition of someone who has made a positive impact on someone else,” the superintendent continued. “A staff member, a colleague, a leader, or a parent, we can all point to someone who fits this category.

“This evening it gives me great pleasure to recognize individuals who were nominated by colleagues or community members because they have made a difference in the lives of others,” Rodrigue said.

Rodrigue announced the first seven honorees Tuesday evening, inviting each to join BOE Chair Deborra Zukowski in front of the board. Zukowski presented each honoree with a crystal apple. The awards were inscribed with the words “Newtown Board of Education | 2021-22 | Profiles In Professionalism,” and each recipient’s name.

The honorees were introduced alphabetically.

‘A Passionate Advocate’

Parent volunteer Sabeena Ali was the first to be honored. Nominated by Dr Frank Purcaro, Ali is “a dedicated member” of the school board’s Parent Educator Advisory Council (PEAC) DEI Committee, according to her nomination.

Among her accolades, Ali was celebrated for her role in improving the process for reporting bullying incidents and harassment in the school district; her role in creating the job description for the district’s Coordinator of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI); her involvement in the hiring of the district’s first DEI coordinator; and for being “a passionate advocate for all students but especially for those who may be overlooked and marginalized within the school system.”

Reed Intermediate School Social Worker Hope Bray, nominated by Janet Kuzma, “has passion and enthusiasm in helping her students, and her communication with parents is second to none.”

Cheryl Fiorillo also nominated Bray, saying the social worker “truly cares about her students, and is understanding and fair.”

Kathy Gramolini, a kindergarten teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School, was nominated by Kate Magness. Gramolini, who was visibly touched to be honored, “is an asset to our professional community at Sandy Hook and has a strong level of education and dedication to her students,” her nomination stated in part. Gramolini “treats every student as an individual, and puts hours of time into planning for each child and their unique needs.”

Personal Thoughts

Justine Hensey, a speech language pathologist at Head O’Meadow Elementary School, “is a special educator who builds strong relationships with her students and parents,” according to her nomination from Kathryn and William Burke. The Burkes said it is “abundantly clear how much Justine loves and cares for her students. We are so lucky to have her in our school district.”

DEI Coordinator Wesley A. Johnson II received two nominations. Nicole Maddox said Johnson “has done an amazing amount of great work in such a short time.”

Konrad Miller’s nomination drew a chuckle from the audience when Rodrigue read his words: “Mr Johnson has vision but is patient and kind in a way that I’m not sure I could maintain.”

Turning serious, Miller’s nomination continued, noting Johnson “deserves to be recognized for the tremendous effort he’s made already and to assure him that we stand with him in desiring the kind of schools that prepare our children for a world far beyond Newtown, Connecticut.”

Newtown High School Principal Dr Kimberly Longobucco, nominated by Kathleen Davy, “is a dedicated administrator. Her decisions are based in terms of what is best for students, staff, and the community.”

Dr Rodrigue, who will be retiring at the end of the current school year, offered personal comments to Longobucco. The outgoing superintendent was principal of NHS when Longobucco was hired in December 2016 as one of the school’s four assistant principals. Longobucco later moved into Rodrigue’s position when Rodrigue moved into the district’s superintendent role.

“Having worked with Dr Longobucco as my assistant principal early on, and now as the high school principal,” Rodrigue said, “she is a highly valued member of our leadership team, administrator’s union president, and a tremendous asset to Newtown Public Schools.”

Turning to speak directly to Longobucco, Rodrigue said, “I’m going to miss you a lot.”

A Parent Volunteer, An Electrician

Jennifer Padilla — a parent volunteer, PTA co-president for Hawley Elementary School, and PTA second vice president for Newtown Middle School — was nominated by Nancy Decatur, who called Padilla “a cheerleader for the faculty and staff of Newtown as well as helping others when needed.”

Richard Mowery also nominated Padilla, noting her multiple PTA boards work “as well as numerous education and school focused committees.”

Padilla’s nominations also included one from Jonathan Padilla, who stated his wife “strives to make sure students and educators have rewarding experiences and a safe and inclusive environment.”

Assistant Superintendent of Schools Anne Uberto took over the announcements then. Her first honoree was Richard Paloian, a licensed electrician in the district’s maintenance department who was nominated by school district Facilities Director Bob Gerbert.

“Richard is hardworking, thoughtful and caring, and routinely goes above and beyond each day due to his meticulous attention to detail … always willing to step up and take on extra assignments,” Gerbert’s nomination said in part.

Calling him a “truly a valued member of the Board of Education and Newtown community,” Gerbert also noted Paloian provides electrical maintenance support for town buildings, and serves as both an officer and firefighter for Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue.

Teaching Through The Pandemic

Middle Gate School third grade teacher Shannon Pierce, nominated by Jennifer Larkin, “exhibited calmness, enthusiasm and professionalism while teaching through the pandemic.”

Pierce, the notes continued, “truly knows each of her students, their individual needs, and is masterful at teaching them how they learn best. Shannon is a multi-sensory, fun teacher, who uses real-world examples to bring her classroom to life.”

NMS Assistant Principal James Ross was also honored. He was nominated by two people: Carmen Riddle, who said he “creates for his staff a work environment that is inclusive, inviting, and valued, and his door is always open to staff, students, and parents;” and Sue Zimmerman, who called Ross “the glue that holds Newtown Middle School together.

“This year he created the NMS Community Committee which includes teachers, paras, and administrative assistants designed to find ways to support all staff in school while infusing some fun through community and team bonding,” Zimmerman’s nomination also noted.

‘Dedication, Skills, And Knowledge’

Hawley special education paraprofessional Amy Santoro, nominated by Deborah Lubin, “is a person with a tremendous amount of patience and understanding, and who believes in children.” Lubin said Santoro is kind, “shares our philosophy of doing what is best for our children,” and is “a gift to Hawley and the entire Newtown district.”

Likewise, Patricia Vitarelli called Santoro “a key member of a special education student’s team.”

Longobucco nominated Susan Steimel, the attendance secretary at NHS, saying in part that Steimel “perfectly communicates with hundreds of parents during a given week and brings a much needed calmness to our main office.”

Dana Manning credited Steimel with having “the patience of a saint, excellent communication and organizational skills, and a soft spoken demeanor that puts everyone at ease.”

In his nomination, NHS Assistant Principal David Roach called Steimel “professional, unwavering, funny, and organized,” saying “it has been a pleasure to work with her.”

Nathalie de Brantes also nominated Steimel, saying the attendance secretary “stands out because of her dedication, skills, and knowledge of the school community.” She also mentioned Steimel’s organizational skills, as well as her “tremendous work ethic.”

The final recipient of a Profiles in Professionalism award received five nominations.

Rachel Torres, a social studies teacher at Newtown High School, was highlighted by Katherine Abrego for her advisory work with the high school’s Students Advocating for Diversity and Equity (SADE) group, serving as a member of the BOE PEAC, and for serving as facilitator of the BOE DEI subcommittee.

Fellow honoree Ali also nominated Torres, saying she made an impact “because of her professionalism, empathy, understanding, caring, respect, and most of all humbleness.” Ali also called Torres “an invaluable asset to the Newtown Public Schools.”

Johnson called Torres “a teacher who goes beyond the call of duty and is a consummate professional … [who] has provided a platform for students to enter into uncomfortable conversations with dignity and intentionality.”

John O’Leary spoke of his spouse’s “love for historical content, and her goal is to bring this love to life for her students” in his nomination. “Her work matters, her students matter, and her school matters,” O’Leary also said of Torres.

Satra Sampson-Arokium called Torres “a phenomenal educator, advocate, and town citizen” whose hard work “needs to be recognized.”

Weller Award Recognition

The superintendent then invited Sandy Hook School Library/Media Specialist Katie Mauro to address the board.

In April, Mauro was awarded The 2022 Weller Excellence in Teaching Award from The Weller Foundation, Incorporated. She received the award for a lesson plan she developed called “Evolutionary Traits of Galapagos Animals Virtual Reality Lesson Plan.”

Rodrigue explained that the Weller Foundation annually provides funding through grants and scholarship funding for students and certified teachers of kindergarten to fifth grade public school students in a five-town region that includes Newtown who have developed a successful curriculum project which was implemented in the classroom during a current or previous academic year.

“Its purpose is to recognize teaching quality and innovation exhibited by certified classroom teachers of kindergarten through fifth grade,” Rodrigue explained. “It is hoped that this honor will help encourage teaching excellence.”

The award includes a $1,000 prize and certificate. Mauro was given a round of applause when her name was announced. She then offered a synopsis of her winning lesson plan to the board and meeting attendees.

A brief reception followed the awards presentation, after which the BOE meeting resumed.

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Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.