A fourth-grade teacher and children’s book author as well as an administrator

By Joshua DeCerbo

This summer, Harwinton native Matthew O’Connell was selected to be the new principal of Norfolk’s Botelle School. Since that time, O’Connell has been working with the new Norfolk superintendent of schools, Dr. Mary Beth Iacobelli, to prepare for the start of the new school year.

The pair begins their work at a time of change across the state’s educational landscape. Some of these changes include a new and evolving set of teacher evaluation guidelines, the transition from Connecticut Mastery Testing standardized tests to the new Smarter Balance testing system, and the much-discussed adoption of Common Core State standards that seek to ensure that all students have equal access to similar learning experiences, regardless of the district in which they live. O’Connell and Iacobelli are both committed to building positive relationships within the school and town community during this time of change.

O’Connell began his career teaching fourth grade at Linden Street School in Plainville, a position he held for nine years. During this time he pursued his sixth-year degree from the University of Connecticut, and served a two-year apprenticeship position with the principal at Central Elementary School in Simsbury. He then served as a principal within the Winchester School system for nine years, during a time when the elementary schools were structurally reorganized.

As a teacher, O’Connell says that he sought to serve as a role model to his students and show them how to pursue their own personal goals. An English major in college, he aspired to be an author of children’s books. He discussed this dream with his students, and involved them in the creative process. His first book was published in 2002, and his most recent work debuted in 2010. In each case, he talked with the students at his school about the steps he took to realize his goals, and encouraged them to do the same.

O’Connell comes to Botelle with a desire to continue the school’s “excellent academic reputation as a tight-knit school with strong community support.” He will promote the development of teaching practices that allow for students to achieve at high levels in reading, mathematics, science and social studies. Part of this initiative will include new technological advancements at the school, including the use of iPads in the classroom for academic tasks.

Additionally, he has overseen the launch of a new school website designed to connect teachers and the school’s academic resources with students and families outside of the classroom. O’Connell comments that he is impressed by the strong tradition of the arts in Norfolk, and plans to attend extra-curricular and community events here in the future.

One of O’Connell’s primary goals is to really get to know the faculty, staff, students, and families at Botelle during the upcoming year. To this end, Iacobelli and O’Connell hosted an initial meet-and-greet with local families and members of the community on Wednesday, August 20, immediately after the conclusion of the regular monthly meeting of Norfolk’s Board of Education. Over 50 people attended the gathering, which featured warm conversation and a positive introduction to the new staff at the school. Many school children attended the meeting, anxious to meet the new leaders of the school. Both Dr. Iacobelli and Mr. O’Connell extended a strong sense of hospitality to all, leading up to the start of the school year, set to begin one week later.

Photos by Bruce Frisch.