Retired Principal Michael J. Rafferty was a key figure in the opening and development of the award-winning Old Saybrook Middle School in Old Saybrook in 1990, fostering greater trust among parents and community members and increasing community participation in school affairs. In collaboration with staff, volunteers and community agencies, Mr. Rafferty initiated a school-wide enrichment program that offered before- and after-school courses, clubs and age-appropriate activities. He began a highly successful program for at-risk students, providing them with an alternative learning center, one-on-one tutoring, and Saturday school. Mr. Rafferty ensured that each of his students had a positive adult contact through the "Advisor Contact Time" program, and that his faculty benefit from comprehensive professional learning opportunities.
Mike retired in 2013 after 45 years as an educator. He continues to be active in committee work for the Connecticut Association of Schools and the CT State Department of Education. For the past seven years Mike has been a Consultant and an Interim Building Administrator throughout the State of Connecticut. He is the Chairman of the Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services Commission. He and his wife have just had their sixteenth grandchild. They have a home on Cape Cod and even though they are quarantined they do visit their vacation place.
1968 University of Wisconsin - Platteville, B.S. in Education, 1968; University of Wisconsin - Platteville, M.S. in Counselor Education, 1972; University of Massachusetts - Boston, C.A.G.S., Educational Administration,1977; AWARDS: CT Middle School Princip
