Angela Bhushan, Science Coordinator |
Kristin Mancini, Spanish (also at Polson) |
Erica Browne, Biology |
Carly McGrady, Special Education (Life Skills) |
Paul Coppola, Social Studies |
Katherine Raschke, Biology |
Mia Corvino, English |
William P. Scully, Custodian |
Jessica DeStefano, English |
J. L. Speranza, Spanish (also at Polson) |
Victoria Gambardella, Paraprofessional |
Trisha Zurolo, Mathematics |
Kara Heller, Attendance Secretary |
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Walter C. Polson Middle School |
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Amy Brejwo, English |
Mary Singer, English |
Tony Bures, Mathematics / Science |
Susan Small, Paraprofessional |
Amy Kohl, Spanish |
Cynthia Tracy, Paraprofessional |
John Lopes, Custodian |
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Dr. Robert H. Brown Middle School |
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Wilmer Barzallo, Spanish |
Holly Graham, Mathematics |
Gloria Benkwitt, Paraprofessional |
Kathryn Hart, Assistant Principal |
Angela Caravedo, Paraprofessional |
Susan Jillson, Paraprofessional |
Janice Clark, Paraprofessional |
Susan Klass, Paraprofessional |
Robert Condon, Spanish (also at Island) |
Matthew Price, Theatre Arts |
Diane Gallagher, Paraprofessional |
Lauren Ramondetta, Special Education |
Gregory Gallo, Art (also at Polson) |
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Island Avenue Elementary School |
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Jane K. Kraus, Grade 4 |
Christine Murphy, Music |
Sarah Kyrcz, Paraprofessional |
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Kathleen H. Ryerson Elementary School |
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Robert Bailey, Physical Education |
Susan Evans, Paraprofessional |
Christine Danehy, Paraprofessional |
Eileen Martin, Paraprofessional |
Kerry Deshefy, Special Education |
Sandra Winokur, Paraprofessional |
J. Milton Jeffrey Elementary School |
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Christine Donnelly, Special Education |
Erin Gregor, Paraprofessional |
Andrea Feig, Special Education |
Vanessa Lamb, Reading / Language Arts Specialist |
MaryBeth Giles, Paraprofessional |
John Pluchino, Grade 4 |
Madison 2007 Teacher of the Year
The Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program is sponsored by The Connecticut State Department of Education, Division of Teaching and Learning, with the corporate sponsorship of ING.
The program begins each year with the selection of a teacher of the year in each local district and continues to the national level, where the Connecticut Teacher of the Year becomes eligible for national honors.
The Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence. It purpose is not to select the “best” teacher; rather, to identify, from among many outstanding teachers of the year, one teacher to serve as a visible and vocal representative of what is the best in the teaching profession.
The program celebrates excellence in teaching by recognizing teachers who have inspired a love for the learning in their students and who have distinguished themselves in the profession.
The selection process on the local level involves the names of exemplary teachers being forwarded to the superintendent from each school in the district. After receiving the names for Madison teachers who had been nominated by their school administrators per the criteria required for selection, I, as superintendent charged a special committee comprised of Madison retired teachers and district-level administrators to review the school-level nominees and select the Madison Teacher of the Year.
Before I announce the awardee’s name, I want to share a little history about our teacher of the year…
His educational training includes:
His teaching history in Madison includes:
He began his teaching career in the Madison Public Schools in 1972. From 1972 to 1991, he lead the Middle School band program / and taught General Music Classes – for Grades 5-8. From 1991 to present – he has directed the High School Band Program – including the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Stage Band, Flag Squad - Grades 9-12. As K-12 Music Program Coordinator since 1986, he has been responsible for developing the Madison Music Curriculum along with staff development activities to enhance the music program. He has applied his music education expertise to develop and implement professional development activities for music teachers and encouraged and facilitated his talented colleagues to share their expertise with one another.
His professional affiliations activities include membership in:
Selected national honors / events he has participated in include:
During his 34 years as a band director, everyone who has known him recognizes that he has touched many students lives and has taught them to appreciate instrumental music and all the rewards that come with taking part in successful large ensembles.
Many of his students have gone on to participate in instrumental ensembles at the college level and a good number have gone on to become music teachers or have studied applied music. The special gift that he has offered students throughout the years has been to make every student successful in performing on a band instrument. He has never cut a student from his program and he has built the numbers in the high school band over the years from 81 members to 213, which is one of the largest bands per total high school enrollment anywhere. His high school music program is a powerful link to the Madison community for our school district. As the district music coordinator, K-12, he has been responsible for providing music ensembles for various requests from our community. Examples include: choral, orchestra and band ensembles during the holiday season to provide concerts for civic organizations, concerts in the K-12 Madison Schools, Madison Memorial Day Parades, Veterans Day instrumental ensembles, etc.
He has distinguished himself as a leader in his field. He has distinguished his school and the district as having one of the most outstanding music programs in the state and in the country. He has taught each of his students respectfully and with dignity as he helps them transform their music learning into musical magic, whether they perform solo, as a small group, or a large ensemble. It is with great pride that I present to you the Madison Public School’s 2007 Teacher of the Year….Mr. Richard Fasano. |
In Recognition of Our Staff for Years of Service. . .
Ten-Year Service Employees |
Fifteen-Year Service Employees Twenty-Year Service Employees James R .Holleran, Daniel Hand High School Donald Cramer, Walter C. Polson Middle School |
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Thirty-Five Year Service Employees |
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| Dr. William J. Brucker, Dr. Robert H. Brown Middle School Dr. William Brucker began his teaching career with the Madison Public Schools in 1970 as a physical education teacher at High Hill Elementary, now known as Kathleen Ryerson School. During his outstanding thirty-five year career as a teaching professional in Madison, he has worked with students in a variety of teaching capacities including physical education teacher, reading specialist, elementary teacher and currently as a middle school science teacher at Robert H. Brown School. With the exception of a one year leave to work with students in Florida, Bill has dedicated his professional career to providing an exciting educational program for students in Madison. In 2002, Bill became “Dr. Brucker” upon completion of his doctoral research and dissertation on creativity. The dedication and diligence Bill exhibited by completing his doctoral work while continuing to teach is indicative of Bill’s strong worth ethic. It demonstrates his belief in the importance of being a life-long learner and setting an example for his students. He currently teaches graduate courses in reading and education at Southern CT State University. In addition to fulfilling his teaching responsibilities, Bill has made significant contributions to his profession through his role with the Madison Education Association where he has served in a variety of leadership positions including President and Vice-President of MEA. He also volunteered to help initiate the “Odyssey of the Mind” program at Jeffrey and Academy Elementary Schools and has served on the state level with the Odyssey of the Mind program. Under his tutelage, several teams went on to participate in the World Odyssey of the Mind competitions. It is a privilege and a pleasure to honor Dr. William Brucker as he begins his thirty-fifth of teaching with the Madison Public Schools. |
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Warren J. Miller, Daniel Hand High School
There are some teachers that we just never want to let go of and one of those is Warren Miller. Who by the way retired two years ago!! Mr. Miller is the model that all teachers should aspire to be. He has positively touched the lives of students and colleagues. During his career Mr. Miller has worn many hats: teacher, department coordinator, class advisor, coach, and mentor to many many new and veteran teachers in the district. He is held in the highest esteem by all who are fortunate enough to have worked with and have been taught by him. Mr. Miller is one of those teachers who has embraced change. He was on the cutting edge of innovation in technology; in 1978 one of his goals was to have a computer terminal installed at Daniel Hand High School. He was also taught one of the first computer courses using programmable calculators. Mr. Miller’s low key quiet manner creates an environment that excites and encourages learning. According to students Mr. Miller is: “Very smart,” “An awesome teacher”, “Always makes sure that everyone learns, he never rushes”, “He’s very descriptive”, “He is kind, funny, and nice to be around”, “He is personable, and he talks about important things like baseball”. “Mr. Miller is a great coach and teacher because he encourages you to do your very best.” We all appreciate Mr. Miller’s commitment to education and to the students at Daniel Hand, and are very glad that he has put of retirement for one more year! |
| Eileen K. Regan, Island Avenue Elementary School Eileen Regan is a consummate professional, who has provided library-media support services to the elementary students of the Madison Public Schools for the past thirty-five years. She epitomizes library media service to students by instilling in them a love and appreciation for reading and research. Eileen is described by colleagues, parents and students as dedicated, personable, kind and caring. She has professionally impacted the lives of thousands of students and has been touched by them in return. Eileen has the respect of her colleagues, parents, and students. She is a diligent worker and is consistently committed to the greater good. Her knowledge of reading and willingness to collaborate with staff have positively impacted and supported student learning. Her rapport with students set a standard to be emulated by all. It is a privilege and a pleasure to acknowledge Eileen Regan for her continued commitment to excellence as demonstrated over the past thirty-five years! We are fortunate to have her as a Madison Public School employee! |
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Guest Speaker |