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CREC Kicks Off New School Year With 50th FallStaff
(Hartford, CT) CREC celebrated 50 fabulous years and the start of a new school year August 26 at its annual FallStaff event.
The event, held at the Connecticut Convention Center, kicked off the 2016-2017 academic year, and more than 2,000 dedicated CREC employees attended, representing 18 magnet schools and more than 120 other programs and services. FallStaff is a unique opportunity for all CREC staff to be in the same room, and it is event that encourages collaboration and fosters unity and teamwork.
“CREC doesn’t need a superhero as its executive director,” said CREC Executive Director Greg Florio. “CREC has more than 2,000 superheroes sitting in this room.”
The August 26 event marked the first FallStaff for Florio, who became executive director January 1. Combining humor with a mix of optimism and hope, Florio told his staff that CREC is, and always has been, at the forefront of public education. The agency is not afraid to take on any challenges that come its way, he said.CREC takes great pride in helping all children and families in the Greater Hartford community, and Florio said CREC will continue to pursue its mission—every child, every adult, and every family will succeed.
During this year’s FallStaff, long-serving staff members were recognized. CREC also announced the winners of several special awards. John Lennon, of CREC River Street School, was named paraeducator of the year, and Rosa Flores, coordinator of CREC’s Positive Parenting Program, won the agency’s distinguished service award. CREC University of Hartford Magnet School Principal Tim Barber was named manager of the year, and CREC Discovery Academy’s Sarah Worley was named CREC’s teacher of the year.
“Be proud of what you’ve done,” said CREC Council chairman Donald F. Harris Jr., to CREC’s many staff members. “Know what you do matters.”
In addition to staff, four school districts—Farmington, Simsbury, South Windsor, and West Hartford—were recognized at FallStaff for their commitment to the Hartford Region Open Choice Program. The districts helped to start the Open Choice program, which is also celebrating 50 years, and they continue to help break down racial barriers.
Throughout FallStaff, CREC’s rich history was highlighted, ensuring that everyone celebrated CREC’s 50th anniversary. Past event emcees worked together to host the event, taking the audience through five decades of pop culture and CREC history, and the agency’s three past executive directors were in the audience.
FallStaff is an event coordinated and directed internally, and CREC employees participate throughout the show, singing the national anthem, recording voiceovers, and serving as emcees. It is made possible through the generosity of sponsors, including top sponsor Owens Realty Services.
