Senior students get most of the glory when it comes to the end of high school careers, however, faculty and staff from the New Canaan Public School District were not left out as the Board of Education honored 12 retirees who are graduating from careers of their own — serving the district.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bryan Luizzi said at the June 6 Board of Education meeting, “The quality of a school district is a reflection of the people in that system, and our retirees truly helped New Canaan become the outstanding school district it is today.”
The following are excerpts from Luizzi’s comments at the June 6 meeting:
Sue Cesareo, supervising nurse
27 years with the district
From food allergies to head lice, from chaperoning trips to China to serving as a Crisis Advisory Board member, “Sue’s infectious good humor and boundless energy have been good medicine for all of us,” Luizzi said. In 2003, Cesareo was instrumental in the decision to bring the contracted nursing staff in-house as NCPS employees, instead of an outsourced service.
Anita Chargar, Language Arts teacher at Saxe Middle School
24 years with the district
Chargar worked hard to embed literacy skills in the curriculum and, as a result, students in language arts had valuable opportunities to develop proficiency with the tools of technology, to collaborate with others in meaningful ways, and to utilize critical thinking skills to analyze texts.
Nora Daly, students support coordinator
29 years with the district
As Students Support Coordinator, Daly has been responsible for overseeing School Climate work and for leading the district clinical team in their professional learning and growth. Her skill in overseeing students who have been placed out of district and working with families in the midst of sometimes very difficult circumstances has always been of the highest caliber.
Mary Ann DeFelice, special education administrator, Pre-K to 4th grade
29 years with the district
DeFelice is known as an excellent problem solver and a creative professional. She is a reflective practitioner, dedicated to students, and functions from the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn in the least restrictive environment possible.
Heidi D’Acosta, English teacher at NCHS
38 years with the district
D’Acosta has taught or shaped virtually every course in the English department and developed innovative new offerings that appealed to student interest and challenged pupils to grow as readers, writers and thinkers. In one form or another, D’Acosta has played a part in the education of over 26,000 New Canaan students through her career.
Anne Gesualdi, 4th grade teacher at East School
38 years with the district
Gesualdi promotes a nurturing of the child in a respectful and authentic manner; the discussions in her classroom, as students sit on the floor in front of her or circle around in desks, probe not only important content, such as immigration or exploration, but also the emotions and dilemmas of the world. Students enter the year as individuals and yet they leave connected as a learning community that cares about each other.
Bonnie Kearns, Family and Consumer Science teacher at NCHS
21 years with the district
Kearns spent her time mentoring and guiding students, and occasionally helping students find their passions through her instruction. Kearns beams whenever students tell her that they remade a recipe they learned in class for their family; and what better testament to Bonnie’s efforts than for students to truly apply their learning in an authentic setting.
Patty Koehler, Special Education teacher at NCHS
7 years with the district
Koehler created a classroom environment focused on the needs of her students by incorporating best teaching practices with a solid understanding of how to break down tasks so they’re understood by a variety of audiences, using direct and clear language, and providing positive and supportive feedback, and as a result, each year her students made impressive progress.
Pat Kimmerling, Tech Integrator teacher at Saxe
10 years with the district
As a technology integrator at Saxe, Kimmerling helped her teachers to overcome their fear of the digital world by encouraging their new learning, collaborating with them on projects, and supporting them in their efforts. She served as a key member of the ICT and professional development teams, which plan and provide professional learning district-wide throughout the school year.
Deb Owen, guidance counselor at Saxe Middle School
25 years with the district
If you are ever looking for Owen at Saxe Middle School, just look for the kids; once you find them, you won’t find her far behind. Owen leaves a legacy of care in her work with children; she approaches every student, not as a one-year assignment but instead as a lifelong responsibility.
Christine Russo, librarian at NCHS
12 years with the district
Russo is known for her serious and dedicated work ethic and her skill at connecting with colleagues and students. Russo understands the myriad roles of today’s librarian: as a facilitator and a leader for the teachers, for curricular learning, for interdisciplinary instruction, and also in professional development.
Mary Ann Stone, library media specialist at East School
31 years with the district
Stone transformed the East School library into a learning community environment where students can be found enjoying a good read, using technology to research, or writing book reviews to share with peers at upcoming Celebrations of Learning.
Luizzi’s presentation can viewed in its entirety by clicking here.
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