Welcome from the School Superintendent

By Kevin D. Case

The 2025-2026 school year is off to a great start at Botelle School. We began on Aug. 27 with 55 students enrolled in Pre-K through Grade 6. Lauren Valentino, Botelle’s principal; Spark, the school mascot, and I were greeted with smiles as students stepped into their classrooms on that first day. Excitement and joy filled the air as students caught up with their classmates and teachers, engaging in activities designed to build community as they learned more about each other.

We are excited to continue to provide an outstanding education for students through our multi-age learning approach. Our teachers are able to meet their students’ individual learning needs, allowing them to reach their full potential. Botelle, named a “School of Distinction” last year by the Connecticut State Department of Education, will continue to educate every student to be competent, confident, thoughtful and responsible contributing members of society. Our mission is to allow each student to attain their maximum potential by participating in a challenging educational program. We do this in a community comprised of strong relationships with our families and community members characterized by:

• Empathy: offering kindness, compassion, and grace
• Respect: valuing and supporting each individual as an essential member of our school community
• Growth: engaging in continuous learning
• Positivity: finding enjoyment in each day

One reason for Botelle’s success is the partnership we have with our families. And this year, we have set a goal to further engage the Norfolk community so everyone can have a glimpse into the daily education students receive. Each Friday, Lauren Valentino and I will send out a short video highlighting an aspect of what’s happening inside the walls of Botelle.

We are looking for volunteers to serve on a time-limited committee to help us review and revise the Botelle’s vision and mission. We are also looking for community members who are willing to share their expertise within various content areas of our curriculum and possibly serve as student mentors. Your feedback is so important. Please contact me with any questions, comments or to sign up to receive the weekly video. And please let me know if you would be interested in serving as a volunteer or mentor during the school year. I can be reached at casek@botelleschool.org. We are looking forward to a successful 2025-2026 school year.