By Kevin D. Case

Botelle School opened its doors for the 2026-2027 school year this past Wednesday, Aug 26, with 62 pre-Kindergarten through grade 6 students enrolled, an increase of seven students over the past school year. On hand to greet our new and returning students were some new faces of staff members recently hired. They include:

Mr. Jeffrey Howard General Music Teacher

Mr. Howard has a broad teaching background. He teaches music to high school girls at a private school in the Berkshires, toddler music lessons and summer music programs, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra for all ages. Mr. Howard has expertise in stringed and percussion instruments which will allow all of our students to continue playing instruments such as ukulele and bucket drums in weekly general music classes, as well as sing, since Mr. Howard will also conduct chorus for interested students in grades 3-6. He will teach all classes on Fridays. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Rochester.

Mrs. Jennifer Rodgers Instructional Assistant and Scientific Research Based Interventionist (SRBI)

Mrs. Rodgers is an Early Childhood educator who comes to us from the Masters School in Simsbury. In the morning, she will partner with Ms. Holly in the Early Primary classroom and in the afternoon will support students who benefit from extra assistance in reading and math. She is an experienced pre-Kindergarten teacher and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and a master’s in education from Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Mrs. Megan Schneider Upper Intermediate Teacher

Mrs. Schneider is a member of the Norfolk community. Her children attend(ed) Botelle and she was the co-director of the PTO Drama Club for two productions. Mrs. Schneider loves the supportive Botelle School community and most recently was a substitute teacher at Botelle. Prior to that she was a Special Education teacher in Winchester. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in reading from the University of West Florida.

Mr. Chris Valerio Instrumental Music Teacher

Mr. Valerio is a retired music teacher who spent much of his career in the Torrington Public Schools. He has experience at all levels. Most recently he was the instrumental music teacher at Colebrook Consolidated School. His love of students and music keep him coming back for more! Mr. Valerio will teach lessons and conduct band on Tuesdays. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Western Connecticut State University and completed graduate work at the Manhattan School of Music. During this school year our students will continue to be engaged and challenged in both reading and math, with additional curricular resources available. Students will have the opportunity to become immersed in mathematical problem-solving with various hands-on activities at each grade level.

We are also excited that breakfast will be provided free of charge this year to any student, due to recent legislation with the funding provided by the State of Connecticut. Students will need to sign up for the free breakfast the day before in their classroom.

Kevin D. Case is Norfolk’s Superintendent of Schools.