To the Editor:

I’m thrilled that Don Ramsey is running for Newtown’s Board of Education!

I first knew Don as “Mr Ramsey”— our children’s beloved teacher for the highly-acclaimed tech ed class at Newtown Middle School, a class Don created. Don’s classroom was chock-full of all sorts of tools, gadgets, and artifacts to spark a student’s curiosity and encourage joyful interdisciplinary learning. Don’s classroom motto was, “Learn with Moxie.” He believes that each child has unique gifts, and he was determined to inspire each student to be a lifelong learner.

Now that Don is retired, he wishes to use his own unique gifts to ensure Newtown schools are a place where all students develop a joy for learning, and where there is a strong three-way partnership among students, educators, and parents. Don exemplifies the character traits we ask of our students — he’s respectful, polite, compassionate, trustworthy, and honest. He exudes enthusiasm and a joy for life. On top of all that, he’s a hard worker.

The combination of Don’s professional background as a Newtown teacher and his character traits makes him a top-notch candidate for the Board of Education, and he has my full support.

And there’s another important combination deserving support — the combination of Don along with his Board of Education running mates Janet Kuzma and Jenn Larkin, who are both active parents in Newtown schools. The three — Don, Janet and Jenn — are a winning team, who would greatly benefit Newtown’s schools, students, parents, and residents if elected. They all are focused on inspiring excellence in students based on each student’s interests and capabilities, while ensuring smart education spending.

Please join me in voting for “just the three,” Don Ramsey, Janet Kuzma, and Jenn Larkin for Board of Education on Tuesday, November 2, or by absentee ballot.

Sincerely,

Cathy Reiss

Newtown