MONROE, CT — The district’s reigning Teacher of the Year, Monroe Elementary School third grade teacher Sean Serafino, embraced his Jersey roots in his speech during Convocation at Masuk High School Monday morning, a pep rally for educators before the first day of school — and brought down the house with his parody video of the opening of the popular TV show, “The Sopranos”.
Serafino sought motivation from “The Boss”, Bruce Springsteen and his song, “No Surrender” when reflecting on his own inspiration to pursue a career in education. For him, it all came down to fourth grade teacher Mr. Sobel’s class at Slocum/Skewes Elementary School in Ridgefield, N.J.
“It was the first year we didn’t sit in rows,” Serafino recalled. “We had groups and opportunities to collaborate and share ideas.”
Rather than focusing on writing in cursive, Sobel gave extra credit to students who typed and printed their homework assignments, and Serafino remembers using the internet to send messages to someone at PBS in real time.
His teacher also held a spring competition where students selected baseball players, putting stats taken from newspapers into computer spreadsheets that automatically computed their totals and averages.
“What I didn’t realize at the time, was that Mr. Sobel wasn’t preparing us for 1992, he was preparing us for 2004,” Serafino said. “These were the skills I needed when I started my career. Fourth grade is hands down my favorite year and it sparked in me a love of learning.”
Serafino noted how his incoming third grade class will be looking for jobs around the year 2038, before retiring around the year 2080.
“I wonder what skills they’re going to need in their futures,” he said. “We are currently in the infancy of the next big revolution in education. Just like 1991 was the start of the computer and internet boom, we are entering the artificial intelligence age.”
Serafino talked about the latest advances, including ChatGPT, math problems being solved with AI applications in real time and AI being used for the creation of videos for commercials.
“And this is just the beginning,” he said. “I have no idea where we’ll be in the next 20 years. But I do know this, we need to instill curiosity, critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills into our students. Yes, AI can do amazing things, but we need creative thinkers to power it.”
Amid the speculation of where technology will take us, Serafino said, “but let’s take some advice from another Jersey boss and just fuggedaboutit,” as a picture of Tony Soprano appeared onscreen.
“Let’s get back to the basics of forging relationships with our students, and doing our best to prepare them for their futures,” Serafino said. “This year Monroe, let’s engage our students. Let’s excite our students. Let’s bring back a love of learning. Let’s wake up on Thursday morning with a blue moon in our eye.”
Serafino played a parody video of the opening of “The Sopranos”. Instead of mob boss, Tony Soprano, driving to work, Serafino was at the wheel of his vehicle, heading to work as well-known places in Monroe rolled by his window to the delight of educators and guests in the packed Masuk auditorium.
The video ended with the message: “Welcome back Monroe! Have an amazing year!” and led to a standing ovation for Serafino.
A warm welcome
This year’s Convocation began with the welcoming of some members of the Class of 2025, each accompanied by a member of the Class of 2037. After introducing themselves on stage, the kindergartners shared what they were excited about for the coming school year. Most said making new friends.
Two fourth graders led everyone in “The Pledge of Allegiance” and Masuk Choir Director Margaret Chaves sang a memorable rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner”.
Monroe Board of Education Chairman David Ferris, First Selectman Terry Rooney and Monroe Education Association President Sue Dixon took turns at the podium to say a few words.
Ferris said he asked his cousin, who retired as a reacher after 35 years, for advice on what to say to Monroe’s teachers. He said she told him to say good morning, welcome them back for another year, thank them for what they do then, “shut up and leave.”
Ferris chuckled over how blunt his family can be. “The Board of Education is proud of what you do,” he said. “Have a great year.”
Rooney reminded everyone of the tragic situation created by the recent floods, with two deaths in Oxford and significant damage in Monroe and surrounding towns. He said all of the town’s roads are open with the exception of Cottage Street, which he hopes will be open in time for the start of school Thursday.
Rooney asked for a moment of silence, then expressed his optimism for a new year of continuing the fantastic relationship with the school district. “Congratulations to the students and teachers coming in and to a great school year,” he said.
Dixon compared the hard work, dedication and perseverance Monroe’s teachers display in their profession to that of Olympic athletes in their sports.
“While teaching may not be a sport, you are all Olympic-level teachers,” she said, reminding them to enjoy all moments, big and small.
Assistant Superintendent of Schools Sheila Casinelli welcomed the district’s new administrators and introduced all teachers who achieved tenure this year.
“Every student needs an adult who won’t give up on them,” Casinelli said. “Congratulations to all teachers receiving tenure this year.”
Casinelli called up the district’s principals, including Steve Swensen of Masuk, Julia Strong of Jockey Hollow, Kelly Svendsen of Monroe Elementary, Leigh Metcalf Ances of Fawn Hollow, and Ashley Furnari of Stepney to the stage to welcome their schools’ new certified staff members.
A Connecticut finalist
Serafino was introduced by last year’s Teacher of the Year, Marianne Bortzfield.
“This teacher ignites a love of learning through engaging lessons, while sharing approaches to help his students be successful in life,” she said.
“He is dedicated to his students and their families and offers extra support and encouragement to help his students reach their full potential,” Bortzfield said. “His impact extends beyond the classroom, offering a friendly and invaluable source of support.”
Jennifer Palmieri, the reigning Paraeducator of the Year, was introduced by her school principal, Leigh Metcalf Ances.
“Jen’s a passionate educator who meets the needs of the children and always puts students first,” Ances said. “I’m always proud of the progress of the students Jen works with.”
When Fawn Hollow is short on staff, Ances said Palmieri always pitches in to help. Palmieri also assists with after school activities to the benefit of students, staff and families, according to Ances.
In addition to being Monroe’s Paraeducator of the Year, Ances said Palmieri is a semifinalist for Connecticut Paraeducator of the Year.
“I’m overwhelmed and honored for this award,” Palmieri said, adding how she remembers being a senior at Masuk 21 years ago. “And I’m right back here where I belong,” she said.
Palmieri said she is one of six finalists for Paraeducator of the Year for the state of Connecticut. “It was really nerve-racking,” she said of the process. “I felt like I was in a Miss America Pageant. I’m not used to gloating about myself and talking about all my accomplishments, because it’s just what we do as paras. Every day we do the same things, because we love our job. We’re certainly not here for the paycheck.”
The auditorium erupted into laughter and cheers over Palmieri’s last comment.
“But as so many speakers before me said, we love this community,” she said. “We love Monroe. Whether we grew up here or joined the team later on, it’s just a great place to live and grow and I couldn’t ask for anything more, so thank you.”
Palmieri received one of several state citations that State Rep. Tony Scott, R-Monroe, presented Monday on behalf of Sen. Kevin Kelly, R-21st, Sen. Marilyn Moore, D-22nd, and himself. It says:
The General Assembly hereby offers its sincerest congratulations to Jennifer Palmieri in recognition of being named the 24-25 Monroe Public School Paraeducator of the Year.
Your dedication, compassion and commitment to the students and community of Fawn Hollow Elementary School are truly remarkable. From your one-on-one work with second graders to co-chairing the art and imagination program you have made a significant impact.
Your tireless efforts, positive energy and willingness to go above and beyond have earned you this well deserved recognition. Thank you for all you do and congratulations on this outstanding achievement.
Serafino also received a citation from Scott, who said in his four years of doing this, Monday was the first time it was for a teacher one of his daughter’s had.
“This is Addison,” Scott said, as one of his two daughters stood next to him at the podium. “She will be a sophomore at Masuk this year. She would definitely second this award.”
Addison looked at Serafino, while nodding her head in agreement.
“She definitely loved having Mr. Serafino,” Scott said. “She was really excited when I told her that he won.”
The citation says:
The Connecticut General Assembly hereby offers its sincerest congratulations to Sean Serafino in recognition of being named the 24-25 Monroe Public School Teacher of the Year.
This well deserved honor highlights your dedication to authentic and creative learning, your passion for teaching and your innovative instructional practices.
Your commitment to your students and colleagues, your role as a technology integrator and science coach, and recognition and prestigious awards all speak to your exceptional contributions.
Your positive impact on students in the school community is truly inspiring. Here’s to celebrating your remarkable achievements and continued success.
“Thank you for all you’ve done and thank you for what you’ve done for my daughters too,” Scott said to applause.
Before the event, Scott presented citations to Rob Troesser for being named CIAC Class L Coach of the Year after leading the Masuk High girls lacrosse team to its first title in the program’s history, and Leigh Barone, who won the Doc McInerney High School Coach of the Year award for Female Sports after guiding Masuk’s softball team to its sixth straight state title.
Soaring to new heights
Kobza told the story of a hawk that was attacked by crows outside his house. It was injured and he fed it pieces of bread, amazed that it ate right out of his hands.
“As I held out the bread, the hawk did something incredible,” Kobza said. “He jumped onto my arm. And you’re probably like, ‘yeah … right.’ So if you don’t believe me …”
A photo appeared on the screen showing Kobza crouching down to one knee, wearing a long sleeve sweatshirt and a protective glove. The hawk is perched on the wrist of his outstretched arm. In his other hand, Kobza is holding up a fishnet to shield his face in the event the natural predator decided to lunge for his eyes.
“There I am. My daughter had taken a picture,” he said from the podium as the audience burst into laughter. Kobza went on to joke, “I know what you see: courage, fearlessness, bravery.” Glancing at the photo, he added, “I had to get a new pair of underwear when this was over.”
His family called the police and an animal control officer came to the house. But the hawk flew to a tree nearby and the officer left.
Later that day, the young hawk fell out of the tree, hitting some branches on the way down, so it was clear to Kobza the animal was in distress. He donned his protective gear once again and brought it inside so it wouldn’t be eaten by coyotes or foxes in the area.
Kobza put the hawk in an old dog crate in his basement, gave it water and more bread, then covered the cage for the night.
“The next morning I brought the crate to the basement door, opened the basement door and the crate,” Kobza recalled. “I watched with delight as the hawk bounded out of the crate and flew to the railing on the deck.”
“It sat there for a couple minutes and I started cleaning the crate out,” he continued. “I turned around to go check on the hawk and, to my surprise, it had taken off. I’m pretty sure it lives in the woods behind our house now, because we’ve seen it fly over the house a few times since this encounter.”
Looking back, Kobza said he realized he had provided the hawk with the first two tiers of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: psychological needs, safety and security.
“I was reminded how each and every one of you provide these basic needs, as well as love and belonging and self esteem, to help your students reach their highest potential, that pinnacle of self actualization, each and every day,” Kobza said.
He noted how this is reflected in the goals that will guide the school district this year.
“We have the framework to provide our students with the empathy, compassion, safety and security, love, belonging and self esteem needed to soar to new heights,” Kobza said. “I wish each and every one of you the best as we start the 2024-2025 school year.”
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
