2023-24 School Year Starts In Vernon

VERNON, CT — It was back to school in Vernon on Thursday.

At Vernon Center Middle School, nervous sixth-graders entered slowly while seventh- and eighth-grade "veterans" nonchalantly began another school year. At Rockville High School, juniors and seniors drove themselves. the latter ready for their final year before college, a career or the military.

At one elementary school, a staff member was recognized for 25 years in the system.

Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary and assistant superintendent Robert Testa made a special visit to the Center Road School cafeteria and presented a commemorative pen to manager Annette Grant for her quarter-century of service.

On Monday, teachers, aides, administrators and others came together at Rockville High School to celebrate the start of the 2023-24 academic year. Macary welcomed 30 new teachers to the district.

"Create a relationship with every student," Macary told those assembled in the RHS auditorium. "They need you. They want structure. They want somebody to respect them, to listen to them."

Teachers are the :lifeblood of the Vernon Public Schools" and the relationships they build with students "create the conditions for students to learn and to achieve," he said.

"The Board of Education, administrators and committees have created a curriculum that is right for Vernon students and established a strategic plan that guides the district forward. Parents, family and community are essential elements in helping students be successful, but it
all comes back to teachers establishing positive relationships with students. Once you have that positive relationship, things flow, things happen very, very quickly."

Vernon Teacher of the Year Shireen Rhoades, a reading interventionist at Maple Street School, told her fellow teachers to turn to their colleagues when they need help.

"You are not alone," she told them. "You are surrounded by colleagues who can and will help. There will be times this year when it feels like things are spiraling out of control. Students are acting up. technology is on the fritz. Your perfect lesson is falling apart. Ask for help. Teaching is really hard. You are surrounded by kind, knowledgeable people who are happy to help you."

Board of Education Chair Anne Fischer and Mayor Dan Champagne wished the teachers a successful school year.

"Teachers have a hard job, Champagne said. "And it seems to be getting harder each year. But it’s an important job that has a deep impact on students and society. Have a great year and keep smiling."

Fischer thanked teachers for their hard work educating Vernon's children and expressed hope they were rested and "abundantly energized" for the new year.

"Your commitment and dedication to achieving excellence and helping to mold our children does not go unnoticed," she said. "You are overwhelmingly appreciated by not only the board of ed, but also the entire Vernon community. You are a true gift to Vernon."