Elizabeth Kilbride
News Editor
Dr. Bryan Luizzi, Principal Tony Pavia’s successor, visited NCHS on Friday, April 8, and was given by a tour by Mr. Pavia and Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Swerdlick.
“It’s a big change [for the school]– it’s a new principal,” Dr. Luizzi said. “Anytime you move into a new school community there’s a little anxiety around getting to know everybody, but it’s something I enjoy. My favorite part of the day is when I get to move around the building and talk to students and people. I’m a little sad to be leaving [Brookfield High School], but I’m really excited to get to know everyone in New Canaan.
“Certainly the first thing I want to do is get know the people: the school, the staff, the community. Until I know [them], I don’t think I’ll be changing much at all. It’s more about talking with everybody there. In the beginning, it’s all about getting to know each other and then working together with everyone to improve on what’s already been established.”
Dr. Luizzi has taught English and currently teaches two graduate courses at Central Connecticut State University. He said he hopes his experience in education will aid in problem-solving. “I think one of the greatest things about being in education is being able to learn new things. I try to get involved in all different things,” he said. “I’m hoping to bring my different background and the experiences I’ve had to New Canaan so that there can be resources for us to improve. More experience leads to more solutions. When I started teaching, I really think it made me a better principal because it got me back in the classroom. I was reconnected with my love of teaching and got to work through problems with students. When I stopped, I missed it without knowing I was missing it.”
Though one of his goals for the school is the integration of technology, Dr. Luizzi said his primary objective is to maintain a sense of community. “There are certainly strong visions out there around twenty-first century learning. I feel very strongly about the importance of technology in education. I’d love to help in some of the efforts around that,” he said. “A high school is a source of great pride in the community, so one of the big things is to move forward with everybody on board. It’s about working toward the same purpose and vision, and really to continue making NCHS the best it can possibly be for all the students.”
