The Board of Education honored the 2016-17 Newtown Public Schools' Teacher of the Year Kathleen Davey at its meeting on Tuesday, November 1, roughly one week before all of the 2016 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program awardees from different districts were honored at a November 10 ceremony at The Bushnell.

Ms Davey, a physical education teacher and coach at NHS, was named as the 2016-17 Newtown Public Schools' Teacher of the Year in June.

NHS Principal Lorrie Rodrigue said at the board's meeting that she cannot think of someone who deserves the honor more than Ms Davey.

"[Ms Davey] not only exemplifies great teaching, a love for students, but a commitment to teaching and learning she has on so many levels," Dr Rodrigue said.

Dr Rodrigue also highlighted Ms Davey's work to develop a Unified Sports model at the high school.

"[Ms Davey] genuinely embraces her work in the classroom and on the field," said Dr Rodrigue, "and holds a deep regard and respect for students, her staff, and her colleagues at Newtown High School."

Board of Education Chair Keith Alexander presented Ms Davey with a plaque and thanked her for her work on behalf of the school board.

"Seeing everybody here, I can't put it into words..." said Ms Davey, looking around at a crowd filled with students, district staff, and her family members. "We all do good work, and we do it because of the kids. The kids are what is so important to Newtown, to all of us. Thank you very, very much."