“Engineers make bridges. Artists make paintings. Scientists make rockets.
But teachers make them all.” Author Unknown

August 28, 2019

Dear Colleagues,

“There is an end to everything, to good things as well.” Chaucer was on point recognizing that moments in life are temporary and should be appreciated. The days are counting down and our first time together is right around the corner. But as we get closer to the beginning of school, we are all focused on resetting ourselves with our own new year’s resolutions and creating new experiences.

I am extremely proud of all of you. Our team is completely committed to the best interests of our students. We are fortunate to be part of a district where we support each other and have, in turn, earned the support of our parents and community members. We have been recognized at both the national and state levels with numerous academic achievements over the past year. As a result of your efforts, we continue to expand opportunities for our students so they may strive to maximize their individual potential. We have made social-emotional learning a priority and have dedicated ourselves with a proactive approach to supporting our students. As a result, the Verona Public Schools was recently recognized as a National District of Distinction for our mental health initiative. Thank you for all of your efforts and continuous commitment to making our schools one of the best in the nation.

You have dedicated yourself to the most noble profession in the world, and to a cause greater than yourself. You maintain high expectations for your students, and most importantly, that same standard for yourself as passionate educators. As you establish high standards, so it is that our students will rise to the level of expectation that you set for them, but not absent your coaching and guidance. I have seen this firsthand in my time in Verona, and you are living proof of this truth.

Our team has been busy all summer. From facility enhancements to curriculum revision and professional development. There is much work that goes into getting ready for day one. To our custodial and maintenance staff … THANK YOU! As you walk through our schools upon your return, you will undoubtedly see the efforts that have produced a space for teaching and learning we can all be proud of. But there is more on the horizon, as we embark on a new referendum that we hope will bring facility improvements in the coming year. Stay tuned for more details in the days and weeks to come.

We await with much anticipation our first days together as a faculty and staff. Day one as educators should be as filled with excitement for us as it is for our students who will be welcomed as they walk through our schoolhouse doors on September 4th. We are eager to see so many familiar faces returning to school this year while welcoming new staff and students to the Verona family. I myself am beginning my sixth year as your superintendent and I consider myself fortunate to serve you, our students, and our entire community.

We will convene as a district faculty at 7:00 AM on Tuesday, September 3rd in the Verona High School Cafeteria, providing you time to reacquaint with one another after what we hope was a relaxing and enjoyable summer. We ask that everyone please begin making their way to the auditorium at 7:50 am. Convocation will begin promptly at 8:10 AM in the Verona High School Auditorium. The schedule for the day is as follows:

7:00-7:50 Coffee/Continental Breakfast – VHS Cafeteria
8:10-9:20 Convocation – VHS Auditorium
9:20-9:50 VEA – VHS Auditorium
9:50 Staff Report to Respective Schools
10:15-11:30 Faculty Meetings at Each School
11:30-12:00 Lunch on Your Own
12:00-3:30 Teacher Classroom Preparation Time

I hope you take some time to continue to enjoy the last amazing days of summer. We look forward to seeing you on September 3rd.

All my best,

Dr. Rui Dionisio
Superintendent of Schools

Learn more about the Verona Public Schools by reading stories on the amazing people, programs, and community by clicking the following link:   Verona Public Schools Magazine 2019