A Riveting Speaker

To the Editor:

I am a 25-year-old Newtown native and a health education teacher in a lower Fairfield County middle school. I have followed the progress of the Newtown Parent Connection and attended several of their forums. Each time I came away with information I was able to use and share with my students, parents, and fellow teachers.

In August of this year I had the distinct pleasure of hearing Norm Bossio speak. He was a guest presenter for one of my graduate courses. It was the last day of a very intensive weeklong session and all I had on my mind was, “OK, one more person and then I’m finished!” I could not have been more wrong. Norm spoke with us for over four hours and I could have listened much longer. He had a group of about 100 teachers from all over the country spellbound. I had long since forgotten that I was sitting on an uncomfortable folding chair! That’s how riveting he was. He was warm, inviting, and dynamic.

There were other presenters during that week, some of whom are household names, but Norm was well worth the tuition cost alone. He is a former educator, from teacher to school superintendent, and he energized us with his personal anecdotes. He is a father and grandfather and his family and experiences are so much a part of who he is and his program. As a young teacher, I found him extraordinary. For parents, I can only believe he would be a tremendous wealth of knowledge and an inspiring man to listen to and learn from.

Without an ounce of hesitation I would strongly encourage parents and teachers, even at the end of a long day, to go to the Newtown Middle School Auditorium on Tuesday, September 28. I am absolutely confident it will be the highlight of your day — maybe even your week.

Sincerely,

Ryan J. Loring

9 Cobblestone Lane, Newtown                              September 21, 2004