WOODBURY — Graduation is only two months away, and Nonnewaug seniors are coming to the reality that their high school years are coming to an end.
Most are trying to enjoy their final months with teachers they built a positive relationship with over the few years.
“It’s important to build bonds with teachers,” says Lori Marquis, a Nonnewaug senior. “You have someone you trust that’ll keep it real with you. Ms. [Genna] Riggi is like an older sister to my class while being professional and funny.”
There are teachers that students go to while on a walk, during study hall or during passing time to simply talk to help students have reasons to enjoy school.
“In addition to teaching me, having a close relationship with my teacher helps me feel good because it makes it easier for me to believe in myself,” says Katelyn Burrier, a Nonnewaug junior.
One thing that’s proven itself important about a teacher-student bond is that if you ever need advice about anything, the teachers you connect with will be there to provide an educated opinion and to assist you in whatever you might need, in your school life and your personal life simultaneously.
According to Declan Curtin, the assistant principal of Nonnewaug, every student should have an adult in the building they feel they can trust.
“Everyone should have one trusted individual they can go to and share information with,” Curtin explains. “There are over 600 kids in our building, and I know 200 of them. I know that I’m not everyone’s cup of tea … and I just hope that the students I don’t see often have a person they can trust inside Nonnewaug. I value my relationships with students.”
Curtin also adds that there are many students that are actively involved and engaged in clubs, fine arts, sports, and more that help kids build connections.
“Eighty-five percent or more of the student body is engaged in extracurricular activities,” Curtin adds. “This helps students build close bonds with their coaches.”
Some teachers, as well, feel bonding is just as important as anything else.
“I think probably most important about building a rapport with a student is that it creates a sense of togetherness, a sense of support like ‘I’m in with you feeling,’” says Stephanie Shay, a Nonnewaug paraprofessional.
While building a rapport with teachers is important and essential, it is important to establish healthy boundaries.
“I think that bonding with authority figures is definitely a positive thing,” says junior Marcella Vetro. “It gives a sense of safety in school where you feel supported and heard by people who want to see you succeed, but there are limitations, of course. Your teacher is not going to be your best friend, and there needs to be boundaries, but they care about you the way a friend would, get concerned like a friend would, and laugh with you like a friend would.”
The feeling is mutual to other students.
“Having positive relationships with some of your teachers is, in my opinion, one of the most significant things in high school,” explains sophomore Zinnia Marcus. “I have a favorite teacher and I know every time I will be in that class or be around them I won’t get judged and I can feel safe.”
Having a teacher who supports and cares for them helps some students feel heard when they are unsure of who to turn to for issues or advice. Sephora Martello, a sophomore, agrees with that statement.
“I have a teacher I can go to during lunch, passing time, and whenever I feel like I need a break,” states Martello. “It’s nice to have a teacher that truly gets you and understands the person that you are. Some people don’t have that at home or in school.”
