Southington's Top Para Helps Special Needs Pupils Become Adults

SOUTHINGTON, CT — With local schools starting next week, Southington's top paraeducator for 2024-25 is working hard toward helping special needs clients exit local schools and live life as adults.

Mike Serafino was recently named the "Paraeducator of the Year" in Southington, marking a highlight in a career that started in 2005 and culminated with his profession's highest honor locally.

Serafino's role in the Southington School System is a bit unique, in that he doesn't work for a specific school, but, rather, an important district special education program.

Called STELLAR — "Southington's Transitional Education in Life, Learning Adult Responsibilies" — it is at program is for pupils in grades 12 or who have recently graduated.

According to the Southington School System, students in STELLAR " havewith various developmental disabilities."

"These students require specialized instruction and hands-on-experiences in the many skill areas needed in order to become independent within their employment and independent living activities," wrote school officials.

The program is, essentially, a fifth-year high school program that allows special needs students to transition to life away from high school.

Originally a middle school paraprofessional, Serafino started working with the STELLAR program in 2021, school officials said.

"In 2021, he transferred to STELLAR, where his commitment and presence has, and continues to have, a profound impact on students and staff," wrote Southington Schools.

He was nominated by colleagues, Effie Cahill and Catherine Riccio, for the award.

For more information on Mike Serafino and his 'Paraeducator of the Year Award,' click on this link.

For more information on the Southington School System's STELLAR program, click on this link.