A fixture in the New Canaan Public Schools’ Science Department and recent award recipient honored the Board of Education at its most recent meeting for the group’s vision, support and encouragement.
Dr. Harry Rosvally and Melinda Meyer. Credit: Mike Horyczun
Melinda Meyer, the district’s K-8 science coordinator and winner of the Connecticut Science Supervisors Association’s Fred J. Simone Award for distinguished leadership and service in science education, told members of the Board of Ed that educators in the NCPS science program “really do have the best job in the world,” thanks in large part to the school board.
“We get to engage students every day in learning, making connections and providing them with the fuel to grow into the next leaders, scientists and engineers,” Meyer said during the Board of Ed’s May 15 meeting, held in the Wagner Room at New Canaan High School.
“Our students’ excitement and energy is our caffeine in the morning. It is what keeps us going. And while we feel the pressure of our profession, we understand that the pressure we feel is because we understand just how high the stakes are. To me, this award not only represents leadership. It represents the dynamic and powerful support system and network that we have here in New Canaan, starting with you.”
The meeting featured a presentation to the board from the treasurer of the Connecticut Science Supervisors Association, Harry Rosvally, a mentor of Meyer’s who serves as K-12 district curriculum administrator for Danbury Public Schools, and recognition for Meyer herself, who had received the Simone Award on May 3.
“Because of you allowing her the opportunities and the time, she has absolutely thrived at a state level and indeed at a national level as well,” Rosvally told the Board of Ed.
Meyer said the Science Department benefits from “serving a board that is confident in its administration and leaders.”
“You invest in your local talent and support the development of emerging leaders,” she said. “I’m an example of your homegrown leadership. I started in New Canaan 18 years ago as an intern, and then did my student teaching, continued on as a Grade 8 science teacher, and now I’m proud to come to work every day as your K-8 science coordinator. You have created structures and processes that support the development and implementation of our rigorous programs, all of them.”
She also gave credit to her science colleagues in the public schools, and said the school board’s support “encourages our teachers to take risks and try new things.”
“The New Canaan Board of Education creates and fosters an environment for growth through your visionary and progressive district goals,” Meyer said. “This has resulted in a dynamic STEM program and discussions of the potential for virtual and augmented reality learning platforms.”
Meyer added that the Board of Ed asks incisive and challenging questions following presentations and that the group “demands structure that pushes our students to define and solve problems.”
Saying that now is an “exciting time for STEM education,” Board of Ed Chair Dionna Carlson thanked Meyer and said the schools are “very fortunate to have such talented and dedicated educator as yourself.”
Science is NOT a liberal conspiracy.