A Warm Back-to-School Welcome in Canton

Wednesday marked the first time Principal Drew DiPippo and Assistant Principal Eric Verner welcomed students to Canton High School but it wasn't exactly their first day on the job. 

Both administrators started with the Canton Public Schools in early July. Still it felt good to get the 2013-2014 school year officially underway, the two men said. 

DiPippo credited the hard work of teachers and scheduling from the guidance department as two factors that helped make for a good day. 

"I think today was a product of a lot of hard work in the summer," DiPippo said. "It was a really good first day." 

Earlier this year the Board of Education appointed DiPippo to take over for Gary Gula, who retired at the end of last year. DiPippo had served as Assistant Principal of Glastonbury High School in Glastonbury since July 2008. Prior to his arrival in Glastonbury, he was the Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator at Windsor Locks Public Schools. 

A few months later, the board selected Verner, who had been a Humanities Curriculum Coordinator and Social Studies Teacher at Bolton High School since August of 2002, to replace Sashi Govin, who accepted a job as principal at Dag Middle School in Wallingford. 

Verner said he's already learned a lot from DiPippo. 

"Drew and I are thrilled to be here," Verner said Wednesday. "It's a great opportunity for both of us." 

Superintendent of Schools Kevin D. Case said the two compliment each other well. 

"They're a great leadership team," he said. "They each bring different experiences and skills to the high school." 

The two have already tackled initiatives, he said. In addition to the October spirit week plans, Case also said they are working to implement some of the suggestions the school has received, including last spring's surveys from parents and students. 

One, Case said, revolves around "Chat," the Wednesday morning gatherings where students meet in small groups with an advisor to discuss issues and hopefully develop a mutually respectful relationship, Case said. 

The feedback indicated those sessions could be more focused and run more smoothly, Case said. 

And on a related issues, today's Chat involved informing students of steps the school has taken to ensure that discipline is consistent and that positive behavior is rewarded. It's also known as Positive Behavior Intervention and Support - or P.B.I.S. While a statewide initiative, it again incorporates suggestions from students and parents, Case said. 

In addition to the high school, Case said opening day went well throughout the district as administrators, teachers, police officers and others welcomed students back to school. 

'We had a smooth opening at each of our schools," he said. "Everyone's excited about beginning the 2013-2014 school year."